Radio Waatea: Māori Leadership on the World Stage: Hana‑Rawhiti Maipi‑Clarke Named a Global Rising Star in 2025

We celebrate a moment of pride for Māori and all of Aotearoa – one of our ofinest has been recognised as a global leader shaping the future in 2025. 

In 2025, Te Pāti Māori Member of Parliament Hana‑Rawhiti Maipi‑Clarke was named by Time magazine as one of the world’s most influential rising stars – a prestigious honour highlighting emerging leaders who are making a real impact on politics, culture and community.

At just 21, Maipi‑Clarke became the youngest MP in Parliament in nearly two centuries after her election in 2023, winning the Hauraki‑Waikato seat and bringing youthful Māori leadership into the heart of government.

Time’s feature – written by former United States Interior Secretary Deb Haaland – praises Maipi‑Clarke for the courage and conviction she brought to national politics, following in the footsteps of her tūpuna who sustained te reo Māori, tikanga and culture despite immense odds.

She drew global attention when she led a haka on the floor of Parliament in response to contentious legislation – a powerful expression of Indigenous strength, identity and resistance that resonated far beyond Aotearoa’s shores.

Time noted that Maipi‑Clarke’s influence isn’t just about her age, but about her impact on equality, justice and Indigenous rights – reminding the world that young Māori voices have the power to shape debate and challenge norms on the global stage.

For Māori whānau, her recognition is more than a personal achievement – it’s a symbol that our leaders, our values, and our culture are recognised and respected internationally. Her presence in global conversations inspires rangatahi to dream big, knowing that Māori leadership has a place not just at home, but in shaping the world’s future.

Ngā mihi nui ki a Hana‑Rawhiti Maipi‑Clarke – for lifting te mana Māori high, for showing courage and conviction, and for proving that Māori leaders can stand with the best on the world stage.

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