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February 13, 2026
#regional: Hūhana Lyndon on Waitangi, Housing and the Fight for Te Tai Tokerau
Dale Husband
Posted On February 13, 2026
Download AudioGreen Party list MP Hūhana Lyndon says her decision to stand in Te Tai Tokerau has sharpened the conversations she’s having with whānau – and raised the stakes in what is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched Māori seat contests in years.
Lyndon, who carries deep whakapapa ties to the North and governance experience across iwi and community organisations, says the race is not about party politics alone – it’s about restoring trust and delivering practical change.
Lyndon says standing for the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand in Te Tai Tokerau has meant leaning into kaupapa Māori solutions while addressing bread-and-butter issues like roads, housing and healthcare.
“Whānau aren’t asking for slogans,” she says. “They’re asking for safe roads, warm homes, and services that actually turn up.”
As the electorate prepares for a competitive campaign, Lyndon says the kōrero has been direct.
“There’s frustration. People feel overlooked. But there’s also pride – and a strong desire to see leadership grounded in tikanga and accountability.”
From crumbling rural roads to unreliable transport links, Lyndon says infrastructure remains one of the North’s most urgent challenges.
“Communities across Te Tai Tokerau are still dealing with slips, closures and poor maintenance. When a road goes down, it’s not an inconvenience – it cuts off livelihoods, schooling and medical access.”
She says long-term investment must move beyond patch-ups.
“We need durable infrastructure funding that prioritises rural and isolated communities – not just urban growth centres.”
Lyndon argues central government must work directly with iwi and councils to ensure infrastructure planning reflects local realities, especially in climate-vulnerable regions.
Homelessness across Northland has become increasingly visible, with Lyndon saying current responses are reactive rather than preventative.
“We’re seeing more whānau living in cars, in overcrowded homes, or moving between relatives. That’s not just a housing issue – it’s a wellbeing crisis.”
She believes solutions must honour mana whenua leadership.
“Iwi have land, they have vision, and they understand their communities. The missing piece is sustained funding and fewer bureaucratic barriers.”
Lyndon says papakāinga developments, transitional housing led by hapū, and wraparound social services are critical components of a long-term fix.
At Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Lyndon says the feedback she’s received has reinforced the need for courage and clarity.
“Waitangi isn’t just symbolic. It’s where the mood of the North becomes visible.”
She says the reactions from whānau there have strengthened her resolve to advocate for Te Tiriti-based policy and regional equity.
“There’s a strong message coming through – people want leadership that will stand firm on Māori rights while also delivering tangible improvements in daily life.”
Asked about New Zealand First’s proposal to hold a referendum on Māori seats, Lyndon is unequivocal.
“The Māori seats exist because of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the historical exclusion of Māori from political representation,” she says.
“To subject them to a referendum risks turning Indigenous rights into a popularity contest.”
She argues that the seats remain a vital mechanism for ensuring Māori voices are represented in Parliament.
“This isn’t about division. It’s about honouring constitutional commitments.”
With Te Tai Tokerau poised to become one of the most closely contested Māori electorates, Lyndon says the campaign will focus on restoring infrastructure, tackling homelessness, and ensuring rural communities are no longer treated as an afterthought.
“Our people deserve more than promises. They deserve investment, partnership and leadership grounded in the realities of the North.”
As Waitangi debates echo across the motu, the contest for Te Tai Tokerau is shaping up as a defining battle over representation, resources and the future direction of Māori political voice.
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