Politics

Maori Party to observe ruling on Fiji visit

08:38 am on 6 May 2009

The Maori Party says it will respect a decision by Prime Minister John Key to stop any Government ministers going to Fiji.

But co-leader Tariana Turia says backbench MP Hone Harawira may still join a Maori delegation to Suva.

Mr Key says it's important the Government speaks with one voice on the situation in Fiji and it would be unacceptable for a minister to visit there.

He says the Maori Party genuinely believes it can help the situation in Fiji, but a visit by a Government minister could be used by the interim Government in Fiji for propaganda purposes.

Mrs Turia says it is the Prime Minister's prerogative to approve or decline applications by ministers to travel overseas.

But she says his directive is "probably not" mana enhancing for the Maori Party.

Mrs Turia says the delegation being discussed is based on whakapapa relationships, and would promote dialogue and understanding, not conflict.

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Further comment

Mr Harawira told Morning Report he may still go to Fiji.

He acknowledged the visit could be misconstrued as supporting the regime but said that was not what it was about.

He said the Maori Party wants to hear the views of indigenous Fijians first hand.