A political science lecturer says party affiliation isn't everything in Māori seats, as Mariameno Kapa-Kingi breaks away.

She's cut ties with Te Pati Māori to create the Te Tai Tokerau Party and run in the seat of the same name.

Te Pati Māori's wished her well - but is promising to put up another candidate to take her on. 

Victoria University's Lara Greaves says it's an open race for all seven seats. 

"They're hyper-local, so local issues are really important - but also, sometimes, strategy is important. Again, really hard to tell." 

LISTEN ABOVE

A political science lecturer says party affiliation isn't everything in Māori seats, as Mariameno Kapa-Kingi breaks away.
She's cut ties with Te Pati Māori to create the Te Tai Tokerau Party and run in the seat of the same name.
Te Pati Māori's wished her well - but is promising to put up another candidate to take her on.&nbsp;
Victoria University's Lara Greaves says it's an open race for all seven seats.&nbsp;
"They're hyper-local, so local issues are really important - but also, sometimes, strategy is important. Again, really hard to tell."&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Dr Lara Greaves: Victoria University associate professor in politics on what Mariameno Kapa-Kingi's departure means for Te Pati Māori

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/4fa229b6-636e-4ff2-b1bb-b4470063785d/transcript