Mana and Internet to form new party

MANA and the Internet Party have confirmed an alliance to contest September's election.

The two parties have reached an agreement to form a new party, to be known as Internet MANA, though the two organisations will remain separate outside Parliament.

“Our ambition has always been to get the voice of young New Zealanders – the digital generation – heard in Parliament,” said Internet Party chief executive Vikram Kumar. “Every vote for Internet MANA will effectively strengthen the momentum for change and hope in New Zealand.

Hone Harawira has been named the leader of the new party. The Internet Party will announce a leader this week.

MANA will hold first, third and fourth positions on the list, and the Internet Party will take second, fifth and sixth.

Seats will be contested under individual party banners, and they won't run against each other.

The two parties have been discussion a potential election agreement for several weeks.

Stuff.co.nz reports that the Internet Party, polling at about 1 per cent, hopes Harawira's involvement will help them enter Parliament, should he hold onto his Te Tai Tokerau seat.