Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi is sounding the alarm over the growing pressure facing communities across Aotearoa, as another cyclone strikes regions already struggling to recover from recent storms.
Waititi says many whānau, particularly in coastal and rural areas, are still dealing with damaged homes, disrupted infrastructure and ongoing financial stress, with the latest severe weather compounding an already difficult situation.
Communities on the East Coast remain among the hardest hit, where repeated weather events have left roads vulnerable, isolated settlements cut off at times, and recovery efforts stretched thin.
Support is being provided through government relief funding, emergency housing assistance and localised recovery programmes, but concerns remain that help is not reaching everyone fast enough, especially in remote areas.
At the same time, Waititi points to rising global tensions, including conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, as having a direct flow-on effect for Aotearoa and the wider Pacific.
He says New Zealand must take a stronger, more independent stance in opposing international military actions that risk escalating instability and economic disruption.
Those global pressures are already being felt at home, particularly through sharp increases in fuel prices, which are driving up the cost of living for many whānau.
In regions like Te Tai Rāwhiti and the Coast, where diesel vehicles are essential for transport, work and daily life, the impact has been immediate and severe.
Higher fuel costs are flowing through to food prices, freight and basic services, placing additional strain on households already dealing with storm recovery.
Waititi says the combined effect of natural disasters and international instability is exposing deeper inequities, with Māori communities often bearing the brunt of both.
He is calling for more targeted support, including fuel relief measures, infrastructure investment and stronger advocacy on the international stage to protect local interests.
When storms hit at home and pressure rises overseas, it is our whānau who carry the weight of both.
As recovery continues and global uncertainty grows, Waititi says the focus must remain on protecting vulnerable communities and ensuring no one is left behind.
