after unexpected endorsement from Tamihere
The Opportunities Party (TOP) has thrown its support behind the Māori Party, talking up a possible joining of forces after this year's election.
On Thursday, Māori Party co-leader surprised many when he said TOP would be his preferred coalition partner, should his party be in a place to pick the next Government.
"In terms of policy settings, we're closest with TOP," he told The AM Show. "They've got some outstanding ideas."
His former party Labour was Tamihere's second choice, followed by the Greens.
The leftfield call surprised TOP, which like many of the minor parties this year, is struggling to get traction in the polls.
"It's great to see John Tamihere from the Māori Party pick TOP as their preferred coalition partner, and we're on the same page," TOP leader Geoff Simmons told Newshub.
"After the election, we'd be happy to work with the Māori Party to advocate on the issues that both of our parties are passionate about."
