We meet up at the Green Party AGM in Pōneke, quite by chance. The stunningly beautiful Heather Te Au Skipworth, a walking Māori declaration of rangatiratanga. Her kākahu, designed and made by husband Wayne, are wearable art pieces, each one an exclamation mark on identity and pride.
Heather Te Au Skipworth has navigated the currents of local and national politics with focus and intent. Here she is – standing, planning, and poised for her next chapter. She’s a year into Green Party membership, drawn to kaupapa grounded in tikanga, te taiao, and whenua. Heather’s here to listen, to learn, be present, and to observe.
“Just looking for greener pastures,” she says with a grin – and yes, it’s a pun. But the shift is strategic. “A lot of their values resonate with Māori. I’m enjoying the education, we’ll see where that takes us.”
Heather’s political whakapapa is one of whānau commitment. In the 2023 general election, she agreed to stand aside in Ikaroa-Rāwhiti so her cousin, Meka Whaitiri, who defected from Labour could take her place under Te Pāti Māori’s banner.
Right now, her focus is the local body elections. Heather is leading a rōpū to support Māori and general ward candidates across Hastings, Napier, and beyond. It’s political manaakitanga, ensuring candidates are well-prepared for debates, confident in tikanga, and united in purpose, even when competing for the same seats. Retaining Māori wards is a cornerstone of that mission.
In Hastings, she’s confident: tangata whenua are at the forefront of the “Love Māori Wards” campaign, with billboards across the rohe and councillors working across wards in support. In Napier, where Māori wards are being introduced for the first time, she sees a wave of new political engagement. “People who’ve never been involved in politics are stepping forward,” she says.
She plays a long game. In her own race, she delayed announcing her candidacy to give new candidates space to shine. “Any one of us five getting in would be a good thing. I want to protect our whānau from misinformation and ensure they have the tools to lead.”
Heather leads with respect and influence. “I challenge, but always with respect. When you connect that way, people stay open. I’ll say, ‘Do you want to have a coffee about what just happened?’” That approach has built bridges and strengthened alliances.
And the big house in Wellington? “There is a little fire burning… My mum, in her last weeks, kept saying, ‘Don’t leave it too late, give Marama (Davidson Green Party Co-Leader), a call.’” Enrolling with the Greens was her first step. “Never say never in politics.”
Heather’s focus is clear: to advance kaupapa Māori, grow Māori representation, and keep decision-making anchored in the values of the people. It’s a masterclass in political purpose.
