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October 09, 2025
Oriini Kaipara Sworn In as MP for Tāmaki Makaurau, Te Pāti Māori Resets Direction
Atereano Mateariki
Posted On October 9, 2025
Download AudioToday marks a historic moment in Parliament as Oriini Kaipara is officially sworn in as the new MP for Tāmaki Makaurau.
The ceremony comes at a pivotal time for Te Pāti Māori, with co-leader Rawiri Waititi announcing a reset in the party’s direction and renewed focus on unity and Māori liberation, following both internal and external challenges.
“…we’ve been caught up in the weeds of dealing with and responding to that type of politicking by this regime, we can often lose sight of what our ultimate goal is, which is the liberation of our people… So tomorrow is about resetting that waka to ensure that we’re on the right pathway, that we’re following the right star, and to achieve the policy platform that our people developed,” says Waititi.
He says the reset is about keeping the movement people-centric and ensuring no one is left behind.
Kaipara’s appointment, he says, is a starting point for this renewed focus.
“She will represent them with absolute respect and the absolute conviction that Tāmaki Makaurau deserves… She is there for our tikanga. She is there for our language. She is there for our reo and to ensure that everybody has access to equal opportunities, equitable outcomes,” says Waititi.
Kaipara will be sworn in at 2pm, with her maiden speech scheduled for 3pm.
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