“We’ll show Christopher Luxon who’s boss.” Jack Karetai-Barrett

Waatea Team Jack Karetai-Barrett

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15-year-old Jack Karetai‑Barrett (Kai Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha) arrived in Whanganui on a 900 km cycling journey from Whakatāne to Wellington. He’s delivering a letter urging Parliament to keep Māori wards intact-despite a refusal from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to meet with him. Jack’s campaign began when he was just 10, delivering a petition to Parliament to protect Māori wards from public referenda. Labour leader Chris Hipkins has agreed to meet with him next Wednesday, 9 July 2025, at Parliament. the PM wont be meeting Jack with Jack saying

As waatea previously reports:

A determined 15‑year‑old Māori activist, Jack Karetai‑Barrett (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha, Rapuwai), continues his 894 km solo cycle from Whakatāne to Wellington, delivering a powerful message in support of retaining Māori wards in local government.

Riding a gravel bike and powered by rock classics like AC/DC and Bon Jovi, Jack has pedaled through small towns to physically connect with communities and carry letters championing the importance of Māori representation-a poignant echo of his early activism. At just 10, he joined a petition delivery to Parliament, and this time he’s back on wheels to ensure decision-makers hear the voices of rangatahi Māori. 

New legislative changes-the Local Government (Electoral Legislation and Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Act 2024-require binding referenda where Māori wards were formed without polls, or eventual disestablishment. With local polls looming this October, Jack’s mission is more than personal; it amplifies a national debate.

“Think about it a bit more … there’s not really any reason to oppose it,” Jack told Local Democracy reporters

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