Kim Dotcom’s Internet Party joins forces with Maori Mana Party

The political party launched in New Zealand by indicted internet entrepreneur Kim Dotcom announced yesterday it was joining forces with another small party that advocates for the nation's indigenous Maori.

The Internet Party and the Mana Party said the new party - called Internet Mana - would enhance their chances in September's general election.

Dotcom, who was born in Germany, is not eligible to run because he's not a New Zealand citizen. Records show he has donated NZ$250,000 (HK$1.65 million) to the Internet Party.

US prosecutors accuse Dotcom of facilitating massive internet piracy on his now-shuttered website Megaupload, which was once based in Hong Kong. Dotcom is fighting US attempts to extradite him. He says he's not responsible for those who chose to use the site to illegally download songs and movies.

The Mana Party currently holds one seat in New Zealand's 121-seat parliament. That is held by Hone Harawira, who will now lead the new alliance. The Internet Party was officially registered this month and has been polling at lower than 1 per cent.