Maori Party to favour privatization?

The Maori Party might be in favour of the partial privatisation of public assets – if it involves a shift of ownership to iwi corporations, according to co-leader Pita Sharples – see SOE shares part of Maori Party 'budget'. Sharples suggests that Treaty settlements could include the provision of shares in State-Owned Enterprises. In particular he suggests that Tainui should be given partial ownership of the generator Mighty River Power. Such policies are indicative that the party might be able to do deals with National over Labour (which rules out such privatisations). In general, it is difficult to discover the economic policies of the Maori Party, but today they intend to release an Alternative Budget to rival Cullen’s. It’d be interesting, as Sharples, so far appear to be rather economically rightwing – having pushed for private prisons, advocating for Maori business interests, and the work-for-the-dole scheme.