Kelvin Davis attacks Judith Collins' 'desperate' Māori governance speech

Judith Collins has hit the big red race button, warning party members that Labour's trying to sneak in separate systems of governance for Māori.

The National Party leader went as far as claiming that by 2040 we could have a separate Māori Parliament, with veto rights over Government decisions.

But the Government's slapping down her attack, calling her "desperate".

It was a far cry from the National of election night on Saturday. A re-invigorated party, and a leader doubling-down on 'one-rule-for-all'.

Collins has spent the week attacking the proposed Māori Health Authority, and on Saturday, she went further.

"If two separate systems are needed in health, does that mean two systems are also required in education, justice and resource management?" she said. 

And she's claiming the Government has plans for exactly that, referring to a document called He Puapua.

"The Labour Government document, He Puapua, contemplates a separate Māori Parliament or Upper House, able to veto any decision of the NZ Parliament," Collins said.

The report, which hasn't been signed off by Cabinet yet, is a plan to realise the United Nations's declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples - which New Zealand signed up to in 2010 - under a National Government.

It suggests making changes over time, so by 2040, Māori have as much governance over their spaces, as the Crown does on its spaces.

But for Collins, it's the culmination of her cries at separatism.

"The Government cannot and will not accept the implementation of two systems by stealth."

Māori-Crown relations minister Kelvin Davis said he was disappointed but not surprised, calling it a "desperate speech from an increasingly desperate leader". He says the speech is at odds with the recommendations in National's election review.

The Northern Convention's members and local MPs had met to discuss that review.

"It's really positive, everyone's just engaging around the recommendations," said National MP Mark Mitchell.

"I think it's a great opportunity for our members to reflect on the election and have their voices heard," said Simeon Brown. 

Just apparently, as long as the voices aren't heard by the media. As Newshub tried to take the pulse of the punters, we were quickly shut down. After we finished a different interview, we were approached by another party member and told to delete the footage.

One of the things members will decide is how party leaders will be elected.

"I choose not to have a view on that, and I think it's right I choose not to have a view on that," said Collins. 

But she's more than happy to share her views on race.