Māori Party

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The Māori Party (Te Pāti Māori) is a Māori-led and Māori-focussed party currently outside of parliament. It was formed in 2004 in a split from the Labour Party following the passing of the controversial Foreshore and Seabed Act. The party supported the fifth National Government from 2008, holding a number of cabinet portfolios, until its departure from parliament at the 2017 election. The party aims to uphold te Tiriti o Waitangi, achieve mana motuhake (self-determination) for whānau, hapū and iwi, and represent Māori with an independent voice.

John Tamihere

Co-leader

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Co-leader

Quick facts

  • Year founded 2004
  • Times in government 1
  • Current MPs 0
  • Electorate seats held0
  • Donations received 2017-2019 $390,860
  • 2020 polling average
    0.9%

Party list

Parties get seats in parliament in proportion to how many party votes they get. Once all the electorate seats are added up, candidates are elected to list seats from each party in order of their ranking on the party lists.

1
Debbie Ngarewa-Packer
Not currently in parliament
Candidate for Te Tai Hauāuru electorate
Debbie Ngarewa-Packer
Not currently in parliamentCandidate for Te Tai Hauāuru electorate
Māori Party
My local priorities
Whānau are struggling just to pay their bills – we will raise incomes and focus on apprenticeships and jobs. Our rivers and lakes are polluted – we will restore waterways and uphold rangatira and kaitiaki rights. We are at huge risk from climate change – we will ban oil and gas and seabed mining, and invest in clean technology.
Why I’m running
Our people asked me to stand for Te Tai Hauāuru because our electorate needs a champion in parliament who will fight for our whānau, whenua and wai, and for our rights to be upheld – to carry on the work of whaea Tariana and those who have gone before.
About me
I grew up in the shadow of muru raupatu and the Pātea freezing works closure among whānau who refused to let that define them and created the hit 'Poi E'. Our whānau committed to an aggressive strategy of getting us educated, which ended up with me as an adult student at University of Tasmania and Stanford University. I live in a three-generation homestead, with my husband, children and mokopuna. We are grateful to live on tupuna land that was confiscated during muru raupatu.
Party list rank
1
First entered Parliament
Not previously in parliament
Before politics
CEO, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Ruanui
Place of residence
South Taranaki
Age
53
2017 Result
Did not stand

Connect
2
Rawiri Waititi
Not currently in parliament
Candidate for Waiariki electorate
Rawiri Waititi
Not currently in parliamentCandidate for Waiariki electorate
Māori Party
My local priorities
To action our Whānau First Policy: to secure 25 percent of all Government spend and devolve to Māori, by Māori for Māori. Champion more investment into Māori businesses, artists and creatives and more resource into protecting Papatuanuku. Champion more investment into the development of Whānau Ora as our mental health strategy to address.
Why I’m running
I'm determined to be part of a world that sees our people thriving in health, in economy and cultural identity. I want our babies to grow up in a country where their mother tongue is not foreign, where stolen babies, lands and water aren't headline news; where gangs and meth aren't the only option, where their parents aren't filling our prisons, where their brothers and cousins aren't killing themselves and where unemployment isn't normal. We are so much more than those headlines.
About me
I'm a 39-year-old father of five, husband, son, mokopuna, brother, uncle, nephew and mate. I have worked in education, health and social services, Whānau Ora, Māori performing and creative arts, marine and coastal claims, Treaty negotiations, resource management and Iwi relationships. Mana motuhake is what I breathe everyday and I am committed to making sure that we assert our mana in our land and reclaim sovereignty to design and determine our own solutions our way.
Party list rank
2
First entered Parliament
Not previously in parliament
Before politics
Manager for Te Whanau a Apanui Iwi
Place of residence
Whangaparaoa
Age
39
2017 Result
Did not stand

Connect
3
Heather Te Au-Skipworth
Not currently in parliament
Candidate for Ikaroa-Rāwhiti electorate
Heather Te Au-Skipworth
Not currently in parliamentCandidate for Ikaroa-Rāwhiti electorate
Māori Party
My local priorities
Ensure the rights and interests for Māori are delivered as written in Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Honour the treaty. Work with the government to devolve all government services for Māori to Iwi, hapu and hapori Māori. To not accept any less than the first two priorities, our people deserve it, and our country as a whole will benefit.
Why I’m running
I stand for the right of every person of Māori whakapapa to live a life free from injustice, racism and abuse. We can no longer endure the injustice we face daily as a people. I want true equity and equality for Māori, based on our interests and rights under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. No successive government have enacted their obligations under Te Tiriti. Te Tiriti was supposed to bring us together, however until its enacted, we will continue to be divided. Me whakapono tatau.
About me
I married the man of my dreams Wayne Skipworth. We have three children and one mokopuna. I am a lover of people, my purpose is to help our whānau achieve their potential by removing any barriers put in their path. Sports have been a big part of my entire life. I am the founder and visionary for the IronMāori Kaupapa. HBDHB board member and Māori relationship board. Deputy chair of Kahungunu Asset Holding company. My biggest success today through my many learnings, is that I know the value of empathy.
Party list rank
3
First entered Parliament
Not previously in parliament
Before politics
CEO IronMāori, HBDHB Board member
Place of residence
Hastings
Age
47
2017 Result
Did not stand

Connect
4
Tākuta Ferris
Not currently in parliament
Candidate for Te Tai Tonga electorate
Tākuta Ferris
Not currently in parliamentCandidate for Te Tai Tonga electorate
Māori Party
My local priorities
Ensure there is an independent unassimilated Māori viewpoint and voice in parliament. Ensure Māori interests are acknowledged from within the framework of the Treaty of Waitangi. Ensure Māori are resourced to lead our own post-Covid recovery plan using solutions built by Māori for Māori.
Why I’m running
I am standing to ensure there is a strong and unrestrained Maori voice advocating for our people and our rights as the tangata whenua of this land. I'm standing for my children's futures.
About me
I've championed Māori education and development my whole life, my own family lead lives based on kaupapa Māori and the belief that we have capacity and capability to create our own future and beyond that we have the right to it also! I am unapologetically Māori and committed to challenging the status quo!
Party list rank
4
First entered Parliament
Not previously in parliament
Before politics
Principal Māori advisor
Place of residence
Ōtaki, Kāpiti Coast
Age
42
2017 Result
Did not stand

Connect
5
Donna Pokere-Phillips
Not currently in parliament
Candidate for Hauraki-Waikato electorate
Donna Pokere-Phillips
Not currently in parliamentCandidate for Hauraki-Waikato electorate
Māori Party
My local priorities
Reform the justice system. Repeal the Bail Amendment Act. Remove Oranga Tamariki.
Why I’m running
As a mother and nana, I have never been afraid of standing up to those who would want to block Māori progress. I want my mokos to have all the opportunities in the world. That is my driver and that's what I stand for and what I truly believe the Māori Party can deliver for our people. Together we can make a difference, together we will lead our own oranga, together we will be part of the Māori recovery by you voting for Māori. Make it Māori mana motuhake, make it happen!
About me
I gained an LLB and LLM (Hon) from Waikato University. With a background in law and advocacy and an insightful grasp of what is required to bring long term transformational changes to Māori communities. Having a keen interest in policy areas which will bring the most effective and lasting benefits. With one eye on legislation and the other on our people, I strive for results in key areas of health, housing affordability, justice and reducing inequality.
Party list rank
5
First entered Parliament
Not previously in parliament
Before politics
Legal consultant
Place of residence
Waikato
Age
50
2017 Result
5th in Hamilton West

Connect
6
Mariameno Kapa-Kingi
Not currently in parliament
Candidate for Te Tai Tokerau electorate
Mariameno Kapa-Kingi
Not currently in parliamentCandidate for Te Tai Tokerau electorate
Māori Party
My local priorities
Return mokopuna Māori from state care to tupuna Māori Whānau Ora care, to ensure Māori wellbeing and whanau development. Resource and enable rangatahi Māori and whānau to design suicide prevention solutions to eradicate Māori youth suicide. Make te reo Māori compulsory in all schools to add Māori value and make relevant to Māori Mokopuna and Whanau.
Why I’m running
Aotearoa New Zealand deserves an independent and experienced Māori voice and I can deliver that. I am unafraid and relentless when the kaupapa is designed by Māori for Māori. Whānau Māori matter greatly to me where we have the equitable opportunity to live and aspire as Māori, and the right to thrive as Tangata Whenua in Aotearoa as promised under Te Whakaputanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
About me
I belong to a strong and vibrant Māori whānau, hapu and iwi. It is the backbone to who I am. I am persistent and persuasive having worked in the Māori provider sector for 44 years as well as in the public sector. I am wired for the Māori sector and the Māori movement towards mana motuhake.
Party list rank
6
First entered Parliament
Not previously in parliament
Before politics
General manager and housing project
Place of residence
Whangarei, Taitokerau
Age
59
2017 Result
Did not stand

Connect
7
John Tamihere
Not currently in parliament
Candidate for Tāmaki Makaurau electorate
John Tamihere
Not currently in parliamentCandidate for Tāmaki Makaurau electorate
Māori Party
My local priorities
Party list rank
7
First entered Parliament
1999
2017 Result
Did not stand
8
Hana Tapiata
Not currently in parliament
List only candidate
Hana Tapiata
Not currently in parliamentList only candidate
Māori Party
My local priorities
Party list rank
8
First entered Parliament
Not previously in parliament
2017 Result
Did not stand
9
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait
Not currently in parliament
List only candidate
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait
Not currently in parliamentList only candidate
Māori Party
My local priorities
Party list rank
9
First entered Parliament
Not previously in parliament
2017 Result
Did not stand
10
Eru Kapa-Kingi
Not currently in parliament
List only candidate
Eru Kapa-Kingi
Not currently in parliamentList only candidate
Māori Party
My local priorities
Party list rank
10
First entered Parliament
Not previously in parliament
2017 Result
Did not stand
11
Tureiti Moxon
Not currently in parliament
List only candidate
Tureiti Moxon
Not currently in parliamentList only candidate
Māori Party
My local priorities
Party list rank
11
First entered Parliament
Not previously in parliament
2017 Result
Did not stand
12
Elijah Pue
Not currently in parliament
List only candidate
Elijah Pue
Not currently in parliamentList only candidate
Māori Party
My local priorities
Party list rank
12
First entered Parliament
Not previously in parliament
2017 Result
Did not stand
13
R. Naida Glavish
Not currently in parliament
List only candidate
R. Naida Glavish
Not currently in parliamentList only candidate
Māori Party
My local priorities
Party list rank
13
First entered Parliament
Not previously in parliament
2017 Result
Did not stand
14
Tumanako Silveira
Not currently in parliament
List only candidate
Tumanako Silveira
Not currently in parliamentList only candidate
Māori Party
My local priorities
Party list rank
14
First entered Parliament
Not previously in parliament
2017 Result
Did not stand
15
Taiaha Hawke
Not currently in parliament
List only candidate
Taiaha Hawke
Not currently in parliamentList only candidate
Māori Party
My local priorities
Party list rank
15
First entered Parliament
Not previously in parliament
2017 Result
Did not stand
16
Kate Cherrington
Not currently in parliament
List only candidate
Kate Cherrington
Not currently in parliamentList only candidate
Māori Party
My local priorities
Party list rank
16
First entered Parliament
Not previously in parliament
2017 Result
Did not stand
17
Tina Porou
Not currently in parliament
List only candidate
Tina Porou
Not currently in parliamentList only candidate
Māori Party
My local priorities
Party list rank
17
First entered Parliament
Not previously in parliament
2017 Result
Did not stand
18
Wendy Biddle
Not currently in parliament
List only candidate
Wendy Biddle
Not currently in parliamentList only candidate
Māori Party
My local priorities
Party list rank
18
First entered Parliament
Not previously in parliament
2017 Result
5th in Rotorua
19
Te Ropu Poa
Not currently in parliament
List only candidate
Te Ropu Poa
Not currently in parliamentList only candidate
Māori Party
My local priorities
Party list rank
19
First entered Parliament
Not previously in parliament
2017 Result
Did not stand
20
Fallyn Flavell
Not currently in parliament
List only candidate
Fallyn Flavell
Not currently in parliamentList only candidate
Māori Party
My local priorities
Party list rank
20
First entered Parliament
Not previously in parliament
2017 Result
Did not stand
21
Rangi McLean
Not currently in parliament
List only candidate
Rangi McLean
Not currently in parliamentList only candidate
Māori Party
My local priorities
Party list rank
21
First entered Parliament
Not previously in parliament
2017 Result
Did not stand

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