Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi says internal conflict is part and parcel of politics and te ao Māori, and urges the public to let the party’s processes run their course.
This week, it was revealed that a National Council hui voted to suspend Te Tai Tokerau MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi for breaching the party’s kawa (constitution), and to reset the Te Tai Tokerau Electorate Committee.
Waititi says such challenges are not unique and reaffirms the party’s focus on community priorities.
“Hey look, we’re not an isolated party. Many parties have gone through internal conflict, and we will work through that… we all share differences in opinions and ideas. We’ve just got to allow our processes to run their line. The National Council have made decisions, and we’re tidying up our whare, koinā noa iho, that’s all I can say,” says Waititi.
Despite the turmoil, Waititi says the party’s commitment remains solid, especially as it prepares for the next election and grapples with serious issues like Māori suicide rates.
“My plea to everybody is… what we need to do is be preparing for 2026 and ensuring that we do make this a one term government, and that we continue to do the awesome mahi that we’re doing in our communities. So preparing for 2026, get on the Māori roll, we need to make sure that people are voting and that Te Pāti Māori is still a viable choice,” says Waititi.
As Te Pāti Māori works to resolve its internal divisions, Waititi insists the focus must remain on whānau and community goals, with an eye on the 2026 election.
