May 09, 2023
National revels in Meka discomfort
National’s deputy leader, Nicola Willis says the sudden departure of Meka Whaitiri is a sign all is not well within Labour’s ranks.
There are still unanswered questions about exactly what prompted the Ikaroa Rawhiti MP to shift to Te Pati Māori.
Māori caucus co-chair Willie Jackson has suggested it was because she was passed over for a Cabinet position.
Nicola Willis says whatever it is, Labour needs to move past it urgently.
“Now I’m loathe to criticise, a few years ago National went through our bad patch, but it feels like Labour’s going through their bad patch. It’s very unusual for an MP who’s been part of the team for so long.. and you know, a loyal member…to leave in this way. And it suggests to me that all is not right at Camp Labour,” Ms Willis says.
She says New Zealanders are more concerned about cyclone recovery and the cost of living.