Te Tai Tonga electorate
Te Tai Tonga is the electorate of the South Island. It covers South Island, Stewart Island, the Chatham Islands, and parts of both Wellington City and the Hutt Valley. It is currently held by Tākuta Ferris who won in 2023 as a member of Te Pāti Māori. Ferris did so with 12,828 votes, and 22.69% of the party vote. Following a falling out with Te Pāti Māori leadership, Ferris is running as an independent candidate. The seat had traditionally been a strong seat for the Labour Party, with Rino Tirikatene winning from 2011 through until 2023. Tirikatene has recently joined New Zealand First, whose candidate Tutekawa Wyllie won the seat in 1996 and 1999.
Te Tai Tonga candidates
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Lisa Te Morenga
Why I'm standing
I believe everyone in Aotearoa can enjoy a good life and a healthy environment and that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect. New Zealanders have a proud history of fairness, kindness and looking out for each other but these values are under attack and need protecting. I am standing for the Green Party because we are strongly committed to evidence-led inclusive policy that empowers all people and the planet to flourish.
About me
I have studied, worked in Te Tai Tonga rohe for most of my life, have raised my two sons here, and have enjoyed much of its beautiful wilderness areas. I bring expertise in public health nutrition research, focused on Māori wellbeing and achieving equitable health outcomes through evidence-led, Māori-centred transformative solutions. I am an outspoken champion for policies that protect our communities from unhealthy commodities including junk food and drinks, alcohol, tobacco products and vapes.
My priorities
- Reducing the cost of living through more affordable housing, kai, transport and energy.
- Protecting our wai to make sure we continue to have clean water to drink, swim and fish in.
- An education system that uplifts tauira Māori by valuing te reo, Te Tiriti and mātauranga Māori.
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Things to know...
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