Labour's putting differences aside to form closer ties with Te Pati Maori

Current polling shows Labour will probably need the party's support, to have any chance of forming a government after the next election.

Te Pati Maori was formed in opposition to Labour in 2004, and has only ever been in government with National.

But Labour Leader Chris Hipkins -- who previously described Te Pati Maori as a "protest party" -- says he's now trying to take a more pragmatic approach.

He says it's still early days, but he's had a closer relationship with Te Pati Maori in recent months, and his goal in Opposition is to forge ties with both them, and the Green Party.