Mana Leader Hone Harawira

I know that it sounds a bit strange, but even now I run into Maori Party people who ask me “when are MANA and the Maori Party going to get together?” and some of them still say stuff like “I wish you were still with us” and “we miss you”. Mind you, I’ve been getting that ever since I left the party to start MANA.

The funny thing about it all though, is that I’ve always said my door was open for discussions with the Maori Party, ever since my first interview as leader of MANA in 2011, and many times since. In fact, I wrote a letter to the Maori Party, on 10 July 2013 – addressed to the President (Pem Bird), Secretary (Helen Leahy), Co-leaders (Tariana Turia, Pita Sharples) and Te Ururoa Flavell – that read as follows:

Tēnā koutou katoa

It has been difficult not to notice the public debate about the possibility of a MANA / Māori Party merger.

I think the time is always right to consider the unity that our people are calling for, and I want you to know that I am always available to discuss whether such an arrangement might work, and if so, on what terms. Regardless of political differences, I think we both share a commitment to our people’s wellbeing. I also think our people deserve the opportunity to see us at least try to establish some meaningful and productive way forward.

I understand that this matter is on the agenda at your upcoming AGM. Both the MANA President and I are willing to attend your AGM or any other meeting to discuss this most pressing of issues should you wish us to do so.

I know that our respective parties will want to be included in any such discussions and I fully respect that, but for now I simply wish to extend my sincere offer. I look forward to hearing back from you in due course.

Hone P Harawira, MANA Leader

I never got an acknowledgement of that letter. Not a call, not a text, not an email, not a letter – nothing. And from what I hear, they didn’t table it at their AGM for their members to discuss either.

So when some of my mates in the Maori Party told me a couple of weeks ago that they still want a MANA Maori merger, I told them “come on guys – I’ve done all the walking on this, for no return. So now it’s up to you. If its unity you want, then you’ve either got to change your leader’s minds … or change your leaders.”

Meanwhile, MANA’s got a lot of work to be getting on with.