The Māori party's policy for land rights and self-governance is not to be ignored | Claire Robinson

The Mana Motuhake policy is a 25-year plan to improve the outcomes of whnau Mori that the mainstream major parties have failed to deliver on

In an election campaign that has so far been largely a bidding contest over who can fund the most shovel-ready projects", create the most jobs and support the most apprentices post-Covid, many commentators have bemoaned the absence of any visionary debate about the type of New Zealand we want to become.

It was therefore refreshing to see the Mori party announce its Mana Motuhake policy this week. As far as timing goes, the policy hasn't gained a lot of media attention. The news has been dominated by the Serious Fraud Office's charging of two individuals in connection with the New Zealand First Foundation, a new poll and the second leaders' debate. Many also think the Mori party is inconsequential in 2020, sitting only on 1-1.5% party vote support in public opinion polls, and not looking like they are going to win back any electorate seats.