Editorial: Stormy seas for Maori politics

To say it's been a tough two years for the Maori Party is an understatement. It has seen its popularity slowly wane from the highs of the 2008 election, where it won five Maori seats.

As the 2011 election approached, the once sturdy waka of the Maori Party had appeared weighed down in the turbulent ocean of politics.

First there was a waka jumper, Hone Harawira, who went on to form his own waka, the Mana Party.

Then the Maori Party moored its waka to the National Party's after the 2011 elections. This didn't sit well with the passengers (mainly Maori) who had jumped on board and elected Tariana Turia and Pita Sharples co-captains.

What appeared to be a novel approach to leading a political party - its constitution requires both male and female co-leaders - was now turning around to bite them on the nono (bum).

Turia had decided she would resign as party co-leader before the 2014 election, Waiariki MP Te Ururoa Flavell announced his interest in a leadership role but Sharples said he was not prepared to stand down to make room for Flavell.

With the internal bickering came talks of possible mutiny, fortunately for the party it didn't amount to anything. Instead a political storm called Ikaroa-Rawhiti was just on the horizon.

With the passing of Labour MP Parekura Horomia the Maori Party and Mana eyed an opportunity to get a true bearing on the East Coast.

However, having two Maori waka only caused confusion, splitting the vote and handing the seat to Labour.

This opened the eyes of Sharples who last week volunteered to walk the plank after almost seven years.

It now means Flavell is set to step up to the helm to navigate a waka which has sprung a few leaks and is sailing in rough seas.

Whether or not he can steer it into smooth waters remains to be seen. However, it may mean talking with the captain of the Mana Party waka for both crews to survive the next election.