Turia dominant, but Labour claws back support, says poll

Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia is the dominant figure in the Te Tai Hauauru electorate.

A Maori television TNS-poll released last night had Mrs Turia well ahead of Labour candidate Errol Meihana for the Maori electorate stretching from Taranaki to the lower North Island.

Mrs Turia commanded 63 per cent of support of those polled, with Mr Meihana attracting 28 per cent.

However, Labour has continued to claw back party support, attracting 47 per cent of those polled compared with 33 per cent for the Maori Party.

Destiny Party's Hemi Te Wano registered at 6 per cent of the candidate vote, with Destiny on 1 per cent of the party vote. National attracted 6 per cent, New Zealand First 5 per cent, the Green's 5 per cent and United Future 1 per cent, among the 350 voters polled.

The result reflects a tight battle between Labour and the Maori Party for the candidate vote.

A Tuesday poll had the Maori Party's Hone Harawira ahead of Labour's Dover Samuels by 19 percentage points.

Last week, a poll in Tamaki Makaurau, showed that encumbent Labour MP John Tamihere continued to trail Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples by 6 percentage points.

However Labour hold commanding leads in Tainui with Nanaia Mahuta well clear of Angeline Greensill, and in Ikaroa Rawhiti Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia also well ahead of Atareta Poananga.