The Maori Party appears to have ruled out an alliance with the Mana movement by resolving at its annual meeting today not to merge with any other political party.

Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson

The meeting wrapped up this evening at Te Ohaaki Marae in Huntly.

Party president Naida Glavish said it was willing to work with other parties in the interests of its members but it had ruled out any merger.

That decision will put to rest any remaining speculation that the party might join with the Mana Party.

Maori Party advised to 'update its image'

The Maori Party has been told to stop "flogging" its Whanau Ora policy and update its image if it wants to regain some electoral territory at the next election.

During a panel discussion today former politician Tau Henare urged the party to hustle for every vote and not be complacent about the 2017 general election.

He said the party needed to focus on its future direction rather than relying on established policies like Whanau Ora.

"They've got to come up with something that really is going to rally the focus around the Maori Party and the only way to do it is to focus on the party vote, I honestly believe that for the Maori Party to survive the next two, three elections is focus totally on the party vote."

Mr Henare said the party needed make more use of social media.

The party has acknowledged it has a lot of ground to make up if it is to recapture the seats it lost to Labour at last year's general election.