John Moore: Game over for kaupapa Maori parties

The Maori parties have been delivered a sucker punch with Labour’s successful courting of Willie Jackson and John Tamihere, who are now both firmly within the party’s embrace. With Jackson being promised a high list pacing, and with John Tamihere likely to be given a prominent campaigning position by Labour, the Maori Party and the remnants of the Mana Party have lost their big chance to present a more urban and working class image to the Maori electorate.