South Island Independence Movement

With New Zealand's South Island independence movement gaining increasing support, it occurred to me to point out the path to victory.

A party must be established with the intent to win the all-important 5% threshold from the country's party vote. Once the 5% is achieved, the new party may be in a position to insist on devolution as part of any coalition agreement. Both of the large parties, National and Labour will need coalition partners in 2026. 

How to get the 5%? 

I suggest teaming up with the Maori party. Oh, really? I'll explain:

Maori mostly live in the North Island. If the South Island leaves, Maori in the North Island immediately hold a large share of the remaining votes in the old New Zealand. It could be as much as 20% of the voters. So, there is a huge incentive for Maori to vote for the South Island party when it comes to the party vote, but still return their MP's in the electorates.

Think about it, this makes sense.