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Download AudioTe Pāti Māori has expelled two MPs, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi (Te Tai Tokerau) and Tākuta Ferris (Te Tai Tonga) for “going rogue”, citing serious breaches of party kawa and constitution. Co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer said the decision followed six weeks of hui and debate but “reconciliation could not be achieved”.
The Māori-party landscape is again in flux. Te Pāti Māori has recently expelled two of its sitting MPs: Mariameno Kapa‑Kingi (Te Tai Tokerau) and Tākuta Ferris (Te Tai Tonga). The expulsions follow months of internal conflict, including public disagreements and claims of breaches of the party’s constitution. The party’s National Council met and voted on Sunday night to expel the two MPs for “breaches” of its internal rules (“kaua”/constitution). The specific allegations include: speaking to the media rather than raising internal complaints, failures to follow party process, and alleged overspending by Kapa-Kingi.
The internal rift became public: a perceived “leadership style” clash, criticisms from within the Māori movement (e.g., from Toitū te Tiriti) and tension about how the party operates.
With two MPs expelled, Te Pāti Māori now has a reduced caucus in Parliament, which weakens its position as an opposition voice and may affect coalition alliances/negotiations. The fracturing could open up opportunities for other parties (notably New Zealand Labour Party) to reclaim Māori electorates if votes split. Internal credibility and unity are under strain. The party’s ability to project coherence-especially ahead of the 2026 general election-is compromised.
Amid the tumult, Te Pāti Māori continues to push policy agendas and signal what it would do in government:
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The party reaffirmed its commitment to restoring protections for Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi) in education law, making this a first-100-days promise.
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It continues to attack current government policy on Māori rights, voter registration/enrolment issues (e.g., alleging disenfranchisement of Māori voters) and environmental/whenua (land) protections.
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The by-election win in Tāmaki Makaurau by Oriini Kaipara (for Te Pāti Māori) shows the party retains strong support in at least some Māori electorates despite internal issues.
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