As the sun sets on another big year and we stand on the threshold of 2026, we pause to reflect – not just on the challenges we’ve faced, but on the voices that carried us through: the voices of our people, our leaders, our artists, our thinkers, our whānau.
Throughout 2025, Radio Waatea has welcomed hundreds of guests into our studios – each with their own stories, struggles, victories and dreams for the future. Together, they shaped the kōrero of the year, reminding us of who we are and where we’re going. Whats clear is even though many have found the cost of living challenging there has been hope tingedwith inspiration – ive often said that if 2025 was a lesson in “survive” then 2026 was an opportunity to “thrive”.
As we step forward into 2026, we offer these messages of inspiration from our whānau to you – our listeners, our readers, our community.
2025 reminded us that resilience is not about standing alone – it is about standing together. We saw whānau rise after hardship, communities organise for justice, and individuals find their voice when it mattered most. An advocate in Te Ao Maori, Tame Iti, came with his new book “Mana” and had this message for whanau:
“Be kind and respectful to our whānau. Mauri tau”
It was on our network that Winston Peters encouraged whanau that “help was on its way” – a message that was furthered when he told Waatea’s Dale Husband that he would repeal the Regulatory Standards. But he also urges us to consider how we we build the nation:
“To rebuild our country into the economic and social success it once was and can be again we all must try harder to put our country first,with less bickering negativity and more cooperative positivity. Our grandparents and parents did it so there’s no reason we can’t. Wishing you all a brighter New Year.”
The Co-Leader of the Greens, Marama Davidson, joined us a lot during 2025 and bought to the fore kaupapa both foriegn and domestic. But for her it all came down to a simple message ahead of 2026:
“Sending whānau around the motu all my aroha as we enter the Gregorian 2026 New Year. May we together work for an Aotearoa that centres Te Tiriti, taiao and tangata, for the many not just for the few. Kia kaha to us all xxx”
Te Pati Maori had a tough year tinged with sadness, internal ructions but also hope for the future of our people. The loss of Tarsh Kemp was felt by many and it would be remiss of us not to mihi to her whanau as a representation of both her own courage and committment to the kaupapa. Te Pati Maori now hold all but one of the Maori electorates. Co-Leader Rawiri Waititi wanted to remind people that they are “still here”:
“Te Pāti Māori is still here, still standing, still unapologetic in our aroha for our people. We have sacrificed too much to retreat now and we have changed too much to pretend this struggle is not worth it. What we do in 2026 will echo for generations. 2026 is the year we turn resistance into power. 2026 will be about who holds power over Māori futures, us or those who always have. We will no longer be someone else’s choice, we will be our own choice.”
Co Leader, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer echoed the message of pride in culture:
“As we head into 2026, to our whānau, take pride in how far you’ve come. This year asked a lot, and you met it with courage and aroha. Step into the new year with confidence. Stay true to who you are, back yourself, lean on your people, and remember we are still here, still rising, and the future is ours to shape.”
One thing ive learnt is never count anyone out – John Tamihere is a good example of that:
“Trials and tribulations occur , but We continue to rise , to more than survive . In 2026 for the first time in 186 years we have the chance to determine the Government. Believe in Maori.”
Former Deputy Prime Minister, Carmel Sepuloni also echoed the challenges of 2026 – and as the election year swings into action its very apparent the Opposition Parties are keen to see the current Government as a one termer:
“It’s been a tough year for many, including us as opposition MPs fighting against the governments divisive agenda but I was inspired when spending time in Tai Tokerau this summer and visiting the Waitangi Museum. The quote on the wall from Sir James Henare is a reminder for all of us in 2026 to push on and to not feel overwhelmed or defeated by anyone who seeks to take us backwards or stop progress. ‘You have done too much not to do more. You have come too far to not go further’. Let’s get it in 2026.”
For the former Education Minister, Jan Tinetti, its also time to focus on the future:
“As we look ahead to 2026, my hope for Aotearoa is that every person feels valued, heard, and supported in a thriving community. Our focus must remain on making daily life more affordable, ensuring access to quality housing, education, and healthcare, and strengthening the connections that bring us together. By putting people at the heart of every decision, we can build a fairer, more compassionate Aotearoa for all. “
Its also been a tough year in the tertiary education sector. Shanan Halbert MP was however hopeful:
“I’m always mindful that real change starts in our communities. When whānau come together, look after one another, and speak up with aroha and courage, anything is possible. As we head into 2026, let’s keep showing up, keep caring, and keep building the future we want- together, tātou katoa. Kia kaha tonu”
The Government ended the year on “the nose” in education and it was tough for a lot of our teachers in educators across the k-12 school sector. That said Chris Ambercrombie, Te Amorangi/President at the NZPPTA, also recognised that while it was a tough year there was still hope:
“Wishing all our families the best for the summer break. Your schools and teachers will be ready and keen to see you all in the New Year! 2026 is going to be an amazing year!”
The Māori economy was a shining light in 2025 – even while inflation stayed stubbornly at the top of the band and unemployment seemed to stagnate. The cost of living remains a big issue for a lot of whanau across the board as well as many small business owners. One of our commentators this year was Professor Matthew Roskruge (Te Atiawa, Ngāti Tama) who told me:
“As we head into 2026, the message is simple: keep backing ourselves, keep thinking long-term, and keep lifting each other. We are setting a clear economic direction realising resilience and autonomy are essential, our task now is to build patiently, collectively, and with confidence”
The Māori media sector took a few hits with news emerging that more funding cuts might be on the way. Even our network, who had held the Te Reo contract for about two decades, lost it – not because we had done anything wrong but because the sector began to evolve into the brave new world of digital – old norms were quickly being done away with as the we consume news and content changed. Amidst these changes, and an election year, there was also a general feeling of optimisim and this was on display from “Te Ao with Moana” host, Moana Maniapoto, who told me:
“I enter 2026 with a sense of cautious optimism. The words ‘division’ and ‘kotahitanga’ are often cited by those trying to hold onto their fan-base. Yet, I’m seeing a people-power movement on the rise. It is kaupapa-driven, diverse and full of aroha. It’s also global and that’s exciting. ‘Inspiration spreads as fast as anger,’ said Nobel Laureate Maria Ressa at a conference I went to. I like that.”
And then there were the wise words of Ella Henry, who, after decades advocating, leading and teaching in the media sector (I also need to say awesome broadcaster and commentator) who was also proof that just because we might retire, a second career looms – reinforcing the message that we are all part of the community:
“It has been an honour to join the Board of MUMA this year. MUMA has been working with whānau and its community for decades, that is a wonderful legacy!”
And its in the community that many of our people have found their role – Alf Filipaina is a constant reminder of the connection between our Polynesian ancestry and our Māori heritage. Alf told me:
“May 2026 be full of aroha, memories and togetherness as a whanau. Arohanui.”
And if its one person who sits at the beating heart of her community its Lady Tureiti Moxon. One of the most powerful Māori stories of 2025 comes from Lady Tureiti Moxon, a long‑standing leader in kaupapa Māori health and equity, whose mahi this year has taken her from our communities here in Aotearoa all the way to the United Nations. Lady Moxon told me:
“As we step into 2026, let us carry forward the strength of our tīpuna, the resilience of our whānau, and the hope we hold for our mokopuna. No matter the challenges of 2025 we must continue to exercise our tino rangatiratanga, Māori mana motuhake and our belief in ourselves. Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui – the future is ours to shape, together.”
There is no doubt the New Zealand Police have had better years but leave it to former Deputy Polic Commissioner Wallace Haumaha to see the light at the end of the tunnel:
“As we are about to step into 2026, let us look back so we can build a better future for our people, value each others skills, knowledge and experience, and remind ourselves that our greatest strength and success is with our whanau, hapū and Iwi, being true to who we are means being true to each other.”
I thought id leave one of the last words to Shane Jones. Whatever you might think of his politics, and im sure there are areas where i disagree with him on, there is no doubt in my mind that when i hear him speak in Te Reo im often reminded of the old art form of story telling.
“He mihi whakatewhenua mo te tau tawhito, he mihi whakaterangi mo te tau hou kia ea ai nga tumanako. Greetings to all the whanau for the upcoming New Year, 2026. May your efforts be rewarded and the solidarity with each other be fruitful. God bless to all.”
Let 2026 be the year we continue choosing courage – even when the road is steep, even when the answers aren’t clear.
2025 carried grief and loss – but it also carried deep healing. Our guests reminded us that hope is not passive. Hope is something we build.
Its been tough here at Radio Waatea as we navigate changes to the broadcasting sector – this year we have had to say farewell to some amazing people who have laid down the foundations of our journey forward – we thank them for their contribution. Of course its been a tough year for a lot of people and there was a general feeling that 2025 was about surviving while 2026 is about thriving – cheers to that!
So the last word to former Minister of Maori Development and Broacasting, Willie Jackson. I was xhatting to Willie about 2025 and the future 2026 holds for all New Zealanders. He said to me:
“Its been tough for a lot of whanau this year and i’m sure a lot of people want too se the back of it, as well as the back of the Government. We will be looking around the table this year and we will be seeing many seats empty because family have left for overseas. It’s been hard for lots of people job wise and cost of living wise….Take time this festive season to spend with family and friends, re-connect with them and enjoy your summer break because next year we are all in the political fight of our lives.”
To everyone who tuned in, called in, wrote in, protested, created, laughed, cried and kept showing up – this is your story too.
2026 is waiting.
With new challenges.
New opportunities.
New dreams.
As Winston Peters told Waatea listeners this year “help is on the way”.
And as always – Radio Waatea walks beside you. So turn those dials to 603AM, get those fingers typing in www.waateanews.com and get the ear buds ready – we arent going anywhere.
From all of us here – bring on 2026.
Matthew Tukaki. GM & Publisher
