Lance O’Sullivan backs Maori Party

The Herald reports:

New Zealander of the Year Dr Lance O’Sullivan has endorsed the Maori Party, saying it’s hard to be popular and still do the right thing.

And the Northland doctor, who said he had turned down several offers to stand in this election, was not ruling out a future in politics.

O’Sullivan has thrown his celebrity behind the Maori Party saying he believed compromise was the best way to advance Maori interests, and the Maori Party was best placed to do that. …

O’Sullivan, who also spoke at the party’s campaign launch, cited its willingness to straddle the political divide and its focus on issues such as rheumatic fever and healthy homes as being behind his decision.

“I don’t think a party that’s on the extreme edges one way or another is going to be beneficial for Maori,” he said.

A useful endorsement for them, from someone who does a lot for the community.