Indebted Fox keen to return to parliamentary fold in 2023
WELLINGTON: Embattled former Maori Party coleader Marama Fox is eyeing a return to Parliament in 2023, but says she is focused on her current cashflow problems at present.
Ms Fox, whose consultancy company was liquidated last week, estimates she owes about $156,000 to creditors, but says she is determined everyone will be paid back.
Her business problems prompted her to offer her resignation as coleader of the Maori Party last week, an offer that was accepted by the party this week as more stories emerged of businesses being left out of pocket by Marama Fox Consultancy Group Tapui.
Ms Fox set up the business, aimed at building affordable homes for homeless and lowincome families, after she and fellow coleader Te Ururoa Flavell lost their seats in Parliament at the last election.
‘‘Last week when we weren’t able to hold off liquidation any longer in regards to my company, I immediately rang and offered my resignation.
‘‘I worked really hard to promote the Maori Party, to keep it relevant, and I don’t want the Maori Party brand to be tainted by my personal business affairs, so I thought it was prudent to do that,’’ Ms Fox said yesterday.
‘‘I would have done anything for our party to stay, but until these affairs are settled I think it’s best that I allow the party to continue in their process and I concentrate on these things.’’
Ms Fox said she loved politics and it was crucial to include a Maori perspective in all parts of policy.
Ms Fox will not be contesting the 2020 election but she would consider another tilt in 2023.
Ms Fox’s departure leaves the party without any leaders after Mr Flavell stepped down in July.
President Che Wilson told RNZ the party would be contacting a range of people about the leadership position.
The party holds its general meeting next month.
Ms Fox, who remains a member of the party, said she would like to see covicepresident Kapua Smith step up.
‘‘I think Kapua Smith would be a fantastic leader. She’s young, she’s energetic. She understands the position of the nation, where we fit in with that.’’ — NZME