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The Māori Party is counting on a strong turnout from young voters in the October election.
Party president John Tamihere says it’s lining up further candidates, including one in Tukituki to support the run of former Labur MP Meka Whaitiri in Ikaroa Rawhiti.
It’s also lining up its campaign platforms – mana Māori motuhake, military neutrality, closing the inequality and equity gap by taxing the wealthy, protecting the taiao and ensuring money for Māori outcomes is spent through Māori firms and organisations.
He says it’s encouraging young Māori to understand the power of their vote.
“The 18 to 25 year old voter cohort that turned out in larger numbers than normal in the Waiariki seat ensured Rawiri Waititi won it. Certain voter categories he did not carry but he made up enough in other voter categories but particularly that 18 to 25 year old vote he won hands down so there is a knowingness growing in our communities about the mana and the power of the Māori vote,” Mr Tamihere says.
He says the Māori Party is helped by movements like kohanga reo, kura and kapa haka which make people proud to be Māori.
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