Sharples talks at National conference

John Key received a standing ovation for an unremarkable speech yesterday at National's northern conference but the most spontaneous ovation has been for Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples who spoke on Friday night.

After a few Billy T James - style Maori fella jokes, Sharples spoke seriously about the relationship with National. He talked in general terms about the personal and political hurt the Orewa speech (former leader Don Brash did not arrive until today) on separatism caused and about the new leadership "showing us a better way."

He gave his perspective on the mana whenua seats proposed by the royal commission in the supercity plan and his take on the foreshore and seabed act which he actually got right - saying it was a theft of the right of Maori to go to court. (Makes a change from the nonsense often whipped up by the Maori Party that the law stole the foreshore and seabed from Maori).

He said the Maori Party was show "respect" by the National party - despite the Maori party voting against National on many measures.

"Our voice is listened to. People listen when we debate....that's why I am here. I want you to know how authentic our relationship is."

It was the first time in anyone's memory that another party leader has spoken to a National Party conference. There is a more ethnic diversity here and a large number of young people than I recall in recent years. But of course a party is never in greater heart than the year after an election win.

Auckland Mayor John Banks - or Super Mayor as Key called him - has been here .

There are also rumours afoot that Winston Peters might have a go at the super-mayoralty contest next year. Imagine Key having to work with "Sir Winston" as would surely become as Lord Mayor of Auckland after ruling out working with him in Government! That would test Key's reputation for an inclusive leadership style.

The conference is being held at the Trusts stadium in West Auckland. Among the apologies tendered last night was Richard Worth's. A fun debate between politicians and personalities was cancelled by regional chair Alistair Bell because of the Worth issue. It seemed an appropriate decision in the circumstances not to be having a jolly old time when many delegates were feeling shell-shocked at recent events.

Epsom based Worth resigned as a minister on Wednesday and is facing a police investigation after a complaint of a sexual nature by a woman.

Westie Paula Bennett lightened the mood with a poem she wrote about the west and Tau Henare lightened the mood when he talked about how he as a born and bred south Aucklander did not come to the west until 1984. "Did you come via Mt Albert?" someone asked.

The delegates are going to hit Mt Albert en mass this weekend to help candidate Melissa Lee with just one week to go to the byelection - to help minimize the loss.

- Audrey Young