A former National MP is excited the party could stand a candidate in the Māori electorate seats for the first time since 2002.
National leader Judith Collins said last year that the party was considering the possibility. Photo: RNZ / Simon Rogers
One News reported last night that National's leader Judith Collins will tell the caucus next week the party will reverse its longstanding position not to run in Māori seats.
Collins said last year that the party was exploring it as a possibility.
Former MP Jo Hayes said National has a lot to offer Māori.
Hayes said National has a track record on treaty claims and improving education outcomes for Māori.
"We need Māori voices from right across the political spectrum and that political spectrum wasn't complete until we had National participating in that."
Former MP Jo Hayes. Photo: RNZ / Dom Thomas
The National Party has declined to comment.