A story has come through this morning that there is a revolt among the Maori Party ruling council against the Maori Party MPs support for National’s ETS.

According to the report the Council will meet this afternoon. The concerns being raised by members are the ones that many Maori and others have been expressing

Even though there is a signed deal on the table between the Maori Party and National, the third and final vote is yet to be taken,” a senior party source said.

“The Maori Party membership are becoming increasingly aware of the huge debt that our people are going to have to pay, despite all the window dressing going on by the leadership about deals struck with Iwi and the $4 per week being saved with cheaper petrol and electricity prices for two years.

“That figure fails in comparison with a 40 year debt of anything between $110 and $220 billion

This is the big issue here. There is great concern that the deal done with the Iwi Leadership Group will in fact see the increased costs transferred from heavy emitters to ordinary Maori families. This is causing serious concern among the Maori Party.

“Many Maori Party supporters are threatening to leave the party, as the real issues behind this legislation are becoming known by the wider public.

“Our people are gutted that their opinion has not even been sought by the caucus, let alone listened to.

“This legislation could spell the end of the Party – the caucus have two days to regain the support of members

It does not get much more serious than that.