August 09, 2025

Ihorangi Reweti Peters: A Young Leader’s Unwavering Vision

Claudette Hauiti Posted On August 9, 2025

#news

A rangatahi Māori, his calm presence carries as much weight as his fearless political convictions

At the Green Party AGM this weekend in Pōneke, 19-year-old Ihorangi Reweti Peters stands out.

A rangatahi Māori, his calm presence carries as much weight as his fearless political convictions. His vision, empathy, and lived experience are shaped by a life far deeper than what you see at first glance.

Ihorangi’s background is a testament to his resilience. In 2024, he was a semi-finalist for Young New Zealander of the Year. He grew up in Ōtautahi and has whakapapa to Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Tahu-Ngāti Whaoa, and Ngāti Kahungunu. He spent time in state, foster, and whānau homes, sharing his journey by giving evidence to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. That testimony is an assertion of mana and purpose, turning lived experience into a call for change.

By all accounts, Ihorangi is already a seasoned politician. He’s spoken in Youth Parliament, is frequently asked to comment in the media on issues affecting rangatahi, and has served with both VOYCE Whakarongo Mai, an independent connection and advocacy service for tamariki and rangatahi in care, and the Mental Health Commission advisory board on youth wellbeing.

Back at the AGM, the politics he brings are deeply personal, hugely relevant. When he speaks about rangatahi unemployment, which is at 19% and headed to 25%, he says, “Too many are at risk of homelessness, don’t have enough pūtea for kai.” He continues, “No rangatahi should be working upwards of 50 hours a week on top of school to bring in pūtea for their whānau. It’s ridiculous.”

When asked about a way forward, he’s unwavering. “Yes, a Green government can turn these figures around.” While he’s not in a position to prioritise Green Party policies, he does expect more for rangatahi Māori, stating, “all parties must do more,” and that Kākāriki has a plan.

Ihorangi’s message goes beyond policy. He frames some issues with a simple, powerful question: “Would you want your rangatahi doing that?” This question brings humanity back to the kōrero. He also clearly asserts his identity and vision. On the contested Aotearoa-New Zealand naming bill, he says, “I’m the future of Aotearoa New Zealand… and we can scrap that bill.” It’s a clear, direct statement of belonging and vision.

Ihorangi Reweti Peters is the face and voice of an Aotearoa hou, a new Aotearoa, where rangatahi Māori lead with mana, shape kaupapa, and carry the vision of their tūpuna into the nation’s future. Let’s see if the waka Ihorangi chooses to carry him into the future is Green!