Te Tai Tonga electorate

Te Tai Tonga is a Māori electorate currently held by Labour's Rino Tirikatene, who won comfortably with a margin of 6,855. In 2020, Labour won the greatest share of party votes in Te Tai Tonga – 59% to Green's 12%. Te Tai Tonga is the biggest electorate in the country and includes all of Te Waipounamu, Rakiura, and Rēkohu/Wharekauri.

Rino Tirikatene

Labour Party

| MP for Te Tai Tonga

Rino Tirikatene

Labour Party

| MP for Te Tai Tonga

Why I'm standing

What Te Tai Tonga needs most is a strong voice of action in parliament. I know that I am that voice. As a descendant of Ngāi Tahu, I have a deep understanding of the intricacies and needs of Maōri. I will act as the waka that sails forward, always advocating to progress the aspirations of our people but more importantly to deliver on better outcomes for them.

About me

I am an experienced New Zealand politician and member of the House of Representatives, who has proudly represented Māori in Te Tai Tonga, the largest electorate in New Zealand, since the 2011 election. I am the Minister of State for Trade and Export Growth and Minister for Courts and I continue the mahi of my whānau who has served Te Tai Tonga (Southern Māori) for three generations (73 years) as Labour MPs and Ministers.

My priorities
  1. Māori businesses. To grow the Māori export sector and industries to expand our international trade.
  2. Advance equity. I'm committed to te Tiriti o Waitangi and for equitable outcomes for Māori.
  3. Keep rangatahi on a path that will let them live up to their boundless potential and to succeed.
Candidate list rank

21

Current role

MP for Te Tai Tonga

Before politics

Commercial lawyer, Māori development

Residence

Harewood, Christchurch

Age

50

Year entered parliament

2011

2020 result

Won Te Tai Tonga

Connect via
Why I'm standing

What Te Tai Tonga needs most is a strong voice of action in parliament. I know that I am that voice. As a descendant of Ngāi Tahu, I have a deep understanding of the intricacies and needs of Maōri. I will act as the waka that sails forward, always advocating to progress the aspirations of our people but more importantly to deliver on better outcomes for them.

About me

I am an experienced New Zealand politician and member of the House of Representatives, who has proudly represented Māori in Te Tai Tonga, the largest electorate in New Zealand, since the 2011 election. I am the Minister of State for Trade and Export Growth and Minister for Courts and I continue the mahi of my whānau who has served Te Tai Tonga (Southern Māori) for three generations (73 years) as Labour MPs and Ministers.

My priorities
  1. Māori businesses. To grow the Māori export sector and industries to expand our international trade.
  2. Advance equity. I'm committed to te Tiriti o Waitangi and for equitable outcomes for Māori.
  3. Keep rangatahi on a path that will let them live up to their boundless potential and to succeed.
Candidate list rank

21

Current role

MP for Te Tai Tonga

Before politics

Commercial lawyer, Māori development

Residence

Harewood, Christchurch

Age

50

Year entered parliament

2011

2020 result

Won Te Tai Tonga

Connect via

Compare the candidates running in your local area


Each part of the country is represented in Parliament by an electorate MP. We've asked every candidate about their priorities for your community and why they deserve your vote.

Explore