NZ Māori party rules out right-wing coalition after next election

Co-leader Rawiri Waititi, whose party is expected to become kingmakers, accuses Act of emboldening racism across the country' through its rhetoric

New Zealand's Mori party, Te Pati Mori, which could hold the balance of power at the next election, has ruled out forming a coalition with Act and National, if the rightwing Act party stays its current policy course.

The comments came as a series of polls placed Te Pti Mori as kingmakers" in the upcoming New Zealand election. Asked by the Guardian whether the party would consider a National-Act coalition, based on current policies and rhetoric, co-leader Rawiri Waititi said: It's a no. Absolutely. It's a hard no."