Mahuta keeps options open after King’s critical speech

Labour’s Nanaia Mahuta is unsure if she will stand again in 2017, after Maori King Tuheitia’s speech rejecting Labour in favour of the Maori and Mana parties. She told TVNZ’s Marae his statement was that of an individual, albeit the king, and out of step with his predecessors. Labour leader Andrew Little said he had spoken to Mahuta, who found the last week ‘‘particularly difficult’’. ‘‘She has indicated to me she hasn’t made up her mind what she is doing (about standing again).’’