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Te Tai Hauauru MP Adrian Rurawhe is set to take over as Parliament’s Speaker today after the resignation of Trevor Mallard.
Mr Mallard was yesterday confirmed as New Zealand’s next ambassador to the Republic of Ireland.
Mr Rurawhe will be the second Māori Speaker after Sir Peter Tapsell.
He was first elected to parliament in 2014, taking the seat previously held by Dame Tariana Turia.
He previously worked in health and education and chaired Ngāti Apa for 10 years, including negotiating its historic treaty settlement.
He is the great grandson of Ratana church founder Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana and the grandson of former Western Māori MPs Matiu and Iriaka Ratana.
After the election of the Speaker, the House will adjourn for the day, meaning Labour is spared question time and the general debate where it could have faced criticism over its decision to expel Hamilton East MP Gaurav Sharma from its caucus.
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