August 23, 2023
Labour launch Māori campaign & Māori Electorates to watch
Te Tai Tokerau – I think Kelvin will retain this seat
Tāmaki Makaurau – Labour’s Peeni Henare vs Te Pāti Māori’s Takutai Moana Natasha Kemp will be a fascinating battle.
Hauraki Waikato – Labour’s Nanaia Mahuta vs Te Pāti Māori’s Hana Maipi-Clarke, who at 20 years of age could become the youngest ever MP. This will be a battle of generational change.
Waiariki – Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi should win.
Te Tai Hauāuru – This is one to watch, with Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer vs Soraya Peke-Mason will be another fascinating contest.
Ikaroa Rāwhiti – Meka Whaitiri’s shock defection from Labour to Te Pāti Māori this year is still reverberating around the country. Cushla Tangaere-Manuel is running for Labour and most call it too close to call.
Te Tai Tonga – Labour’s Rino Tirikatene should win.
I think you will see a much larger Māori Party vote this election and that the Māori vote will be essential if Labour has any chance of returning to Government.
There is a chance of an MMP Overhang if the Māori Party get more electorate seats than Party vote.