Senior Maori leaders have come out satisfied after a meeting with Prime Minister-designate John Key.
He has had brief discussions with representatives from Tainui, Tai Tokerau, Tuwharetoa, Whanganui, Ngati Porou, and Ngai Tahu.
Tainui spokesman Tuku Morgan says the cornerstone of the talks was about preserving the integrity of Treaty talks currently before the government and future Treaty claims going forward.
He says it was an opportunity for Maori leadership to talk in a frank and honest way with Key.
Morgan says he supports the inclusive approach Key is taking in reaching out across the floor to other political parties.
Maori Party MPs are completing 40 hui to seek approval from party members and supporters for a draft agreement that will exchange ministerial positions outside cabinet for five confidence votes.
The incoming government is also agreeing to policy concessions on the future of the Maori seats and the Foreshore and Seabed legislation.
Te Tai Tokerau MP Hone Harawira told NZPA after attending hui at Waipu and Wellesford that the consultation process was "bloody fabulous".
He rates support for the agreement at about 98%.
"People are wanting us to have a shot, they're cautious but they are saying go for it anyway."
The Maori Party has until Sunday or Monday to tell incoming prime minister John Key it is ready to sign the deal.
Key has already secured 65 votes through agreements with Act and UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne, and with the Maori Party he will have 70 in the 122-member parliament.
The agreements are all basically the same. Ministerial positions will be outside cabinet and the minor parties will be free to criticise the government in areas outside the portfolios their MPs will be given.
Labour leader Phil Goff says Maori Party supporters are taking a big risk by endorsing the agreement.
The party is binding itself to National for three years without knowing what its policies will be, he says.
Outgoing Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia says the Maori Party should remember that six times more Maori gave their party votes to Labour than to National.
A spokesman for Key says Labour's comments are patronising and National is clear about what its policies would be.
There is speculation that Act leader Rodney Hide will be given a portfolio in the economic area and his deputy Heather Roy will be given consumer affairs.
Maori Party MPs are likely to be given portfolios in education or health, with limited financial responsibilities.
The details of the agreements will be finalised by the weekend and Key will announce his cabinet, and ministers outside it, on Sunday or Monday.
The ministers are expected to be sworn in on Wednesday.
