The tightest three-way in Maori politics is about to kick off. A spiderweb of stage lights hangs beneath the ceiling of a studio. Supporters take their seats.
On one side, the Mana Party, here to back Hone Harawira. On the other, a smaller group of Maori Party folk rooting for new kid on the block, Waihoroi Shortland. Fewer still turn out for Labour's Kelvin Davis.
Harawira talks of strength and independence. Davis has an aspirational message, proudly listing his family's achievements. Shortland says the voters are already frustrated with Hone. Half the audience disagree.
Tax talk follows. Harawira wants a 1 per cent tax on all financial transactions. He says the Europeans and even Obama agree with him. Half the audience remind him we're in New Zealand.
Shortland scratches his head, reads his notes. Davis says we need a new school of business and enterprise. A Mana supporter gets annoyed with Davis. "Labour just sucked us all in," they say.
