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The Maori Party’s likely Hauraki Waikato candidate, Rahui Papa, says he is humbled by an endorsement from King Tuheitia.
The endorsement has been described by Maori Party president Tukoroirangi Morgan as a game changer which should break the grip on the seat of Labour’s Nanaia Mahuta.
Mr Papa says there are precedents in kingitanga history.
"Well it’s very humbling because the last time this was done was King Mahuta himself going in to parliament, and also Te Puea and Te Rata and their advocacy for Maui Pomare. Since then (Kingitanga) has been apolitical but I think the time has come and the call from the people is about trying to regain mana Maori motuhake and doing things to a Maori tune rather than being played by Pakeha or rangatira Pakeha within the major political parties," he says.
Rahui Papa says once he is confirmed by the Maori Party as its candidate he will step down as chair of Waikato Tainui’s Te Arataura executive.
FULL INTERVIEW WITH RAHUI PAPA
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