Waiariki MP Te Ururoa Flavell is tipped to become the next Maori Party leader after Dr Pita Sharples announced his retirement as party co-leader and from politics this morning.

Te Ururoa is likely to be voted in as the next leader at the party conference in two weeks' time.

Dr Pita Sharples has stepped down as co-leader of the Maori Party, with Te Ururoa Flavell tipped to take over the role.

Dr Pita Sharples announced he is stepping down as co-leader during a press conference in Wellington with co-leader Tariana Turia and Te Ururoa by his side earlier today.

The 71-year-old says the uncertainty over the party's leadership is taking too much of a toll on the party and has given a perception of disunity.

''It's clear that the leadership issue and the processes around that have taken a toll on the Maori Party, and our people, our party people, and supporters deserve a unified Maori Party.''

While resigning as co-leader, Dr Sharples plans to stay on as a minister and Tamaki Makaurau MP until the 2014 election, but will not run for Parliament next year.

Co-leader Tariana Turia announced last year that she will retire from politics in 2014 and suggested Dr Sharples follow her lead so the party can get its succession in place.

At the conference, Te Ururoa, who challenged Pita to the leadership role earlier this year, refused to say if he expects to be named leader, saying it is a decision for the Maori Party council at its AGM.

Tariana believes Pita has made the right decision.

"The majority of our people are under 35 years of age. We believe we need that voice to come through," says Tariana.

Tariana expects to remain as co-leader possibly until the election, but the party will be looking for her successor during the party's selection process.

By 2050 New Zealand will have a majority of Asians, Maori and Pacific Islanders, and it is important for the party to plan for that, says Tariana.

Dr Sharples will stay on as co-leader until the AGM in Whakatane in a fortnight.