Maori Party to contest Maori electorates only

RADIO NEW ZEALAND: The Maori Party says it will not put candidates forward for the general electorate seats in this year's election.

The party's national council made the decision at the weekend.

It had previously said it may consider contesting some of the general seats later this year.

But co-leader Pita Sharples says at this stage, it will not contest those seats but will instead focus on winning all seven Maori seats.

Ann Sullivan, of Auckland University's Maori Studies Department, says it is a good strategic move for a party with limited resources.

Ms Sullivan says the party may not have gained much from trying to woo Maori voters who are not on the Maori roll.

Dr Sharples says though the bottom line is to retain the Maori seats in Parliament, they will speak to all parties after the election.