Claire Trevett: Lots of laughter but a lot at stake in foreshore review

When Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples was asked how he would react if the people chosen to review the Foreshore and Seabed Act found no changes were needed, he responded with some vigour.

"We'll probably sack them and put another group in." Most of those there presumed he was joking and Prime Minister John Key laughed as loud and long as anyone else.

It may have been nervous laughter, because that panel's findings - and more importantly, National's response - have the potential more than any other issue to threaten National's relationship with the Maori Party.

Its support agreement goes only so far as the review. But in case there was any doubt, yesterday the Maori Party made it clear it does not believe National's obligations end there.

Good faith goes further and of all issues, this issue on which the Maori Party was founded is the one it can compromise on only so far. So the Maori Party set about subtly ramping up the pressure.

Tariana Turia went through a detailed list of the failures of the Labour government to recognise iwi's rights before saying the agreement with National had "changed the script" and now was the time to "heal".

Dr Sharples took his turn, pointing out just how excited Maori people were by the opportunity the review offered and how historic it was.

It effectively amounted to a warning for Mr Key. Hopes set this high could easily be dashed and the repercussions just one year into the parliamentary term might not be pleasant.

Dr Sharples ended yesterday's announcement by declaring that 23,000 Maori Party supporters would "dance on the tables" that night in celebration at the review.

The real question is whether they will still be dancing at the end of the year, when the fruits of the review and the Government's willingness to address it are clear.