December 15, 2023
Te Pāti Māori announce portfolio allocation for the 54th Parliamentary Term
Te Pāti Māori announce portfolio allocation for the 54th Parliamentary Term
Te Pāti Māori has this morning announced its allocation of portfolios among the six Members of Parliament, having concluded a historic week of maiden speeches.
“Te Pāti Māori commits to being the voice of te iwi Māori in Te Whare Paremata. From Te-Oneroa-a-Tōhē in the north to Rakiura in the South, our whānau in the Māori electorates have mandated the largest Te Pāti Māori caucus,” said Te Pāti Māori co-leader, Rawiri Waititi.
“After a historic week of maiden speeches from our growing team with four new members, we are ready to contest the agenda of the coalition government in the 54th parliamentary term.
“With backgrounds in education, health, Whānau Ora, arts, business, governance and picking up a tea-towel on the marae – the team is well versed to represent te iwi Māori.
“We face the most right-winged government this country has seen since the 1990’s. But even more so, with a growing Māori population, we are empowered by their mobilisation that is occurring on the street.”
“Te Pāti Māori knows our whānau are dealing with the increased costs-to-live, are struggling to pay the bills, and put kai on the table,” added co-leader, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.
“Thanks to this new government, we also know that Te Reo Māori is at threat. That our rangatiratanga and rights to thrive in our own nation is at threat.
“Our message to our whānau, tangata-tiriti included, is fear-not. We will ensure your voice is heard, we will ensure we will fight for you, but most importantly, ensure that the mana lies in the hands of the people.”