Leader Tau Henare said Mauri Pacific would not support a coalition government with Act.

Responding to suggestions today Act would demand a deadline on Treaty of Waitangi claims as part of a coalition deal, Mr Henare said Mauri Pacific found that position untenable.

"We will not in any way, shape or form support a government that has Act as its partner," he said.

"I find it rather ironic that the thief, which is who Act represents, gets out of jail and starts making demands on the victim. This is exactly what Act is doing.

"Maori have had to wait over 150 years to have their grievances addressed yet people like Donna Awatere-Huata and the other Act-ors want to stop the process overnight for a tick in the right box on election day."

Mr Henare said what was needed was a cup of tea.

"May be we need to take stock of where the process is, and where it's going - take a break as they say.

"But I don't support the notion of putting a stop to the claims just because it's popular to say so.

"Maybe Act should look at our policy which is about better informing people - even Act-ors - before they start blowing off steam about putting an end to it," said Mr Henare.

ENDS

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