The Maori Party was never going to be a sustainable political vehicle. No political movement that tries to exist in defiance of the material conditions of its constituents can be, and the economic interests of the wealthy Maori elite and the Maori working class are simply incompatible.
The Maori Party has to continually choose which side to back. It’s clear that Turia and Sharples will always go with the elite. Harawira represented the Maori working class.
Harawira’s clearly been deeply unhappy with the direction Turia and Sharples have taken the party. Betraying the Maori working class on issues like tax cuts and ACC. Cuddling up to the bosses’ party. I reckon dissatisfaction with his sell-out party has morphed into his recent anger. Doesn’t excuse it though.
He should have left earlier. Taken half the party with him. Katene might have joined him. Could have formed a more honest Maori party committed to a better deal for workers and protecting the environment. Could have taken on the Turia/Sharples rump and toppled those old sell-outs.
Turia and Sharples see Harawira as dog tucker now. They see this as their opportunity to get rid of a thorn in their side as they throw in their lot with big business and the political right. He should jump before he is pushed. Take as many of the activists with him as he can. See if he can rebuild himself as an independent voice for working class Maori.
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