Te Pāti Māori says it remains firmly focused on the 2026 election campaign despite the emergence of a new political movement in Te Tai Tokerau led by Mariameno Kapa-Kingi.
The party has acknowledged Kapa-Kingi’s decision to contest the next general election under the newly announced Te Tai Tokerau Party, while reaffirming its commitment to contesting all seven Māori electorates.
In a statement, Te Pāti Māori signalled confidence in both its leadership and wider movement, saying Māori political expression has always included diverse voices, whakapapa and regional aspirations.
The party confirmed five candidates already preparing for the 2026 campaign, including Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, Oriini Kaipara, Rawiri Waititi, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Haley Maxwell, with further candidate announcements expected later.
Te Pāti Māori says its focus remains on removing the current Government and advancing kaupapa centred around tino rangatiratanga, Te Tiriti justice and mana motuhake.
The statement also reinforced the party’s broader social and economic priorities, including housing, wellbeing, whānau support and strengthening Māori self-determination.
Political observers say the split presents a significant test for Māori political unity heading into the next election, particularly in Te Tai Tokerau where local leadership and iwi relationships remain influential.
However, Te Pāti Māori leadership insists the movement extends beyond any single electorate or political figure and remains committed to building support nationwide.
The party also signalled openness to working alongside any political force willing to support kaupapa Māori aspirations and challenge the current coalition Government.
The announcement comes during a period of heightened political tension and growing debate around the future direction of Māori political representation in Aotearoa.
Despite the internal challenges, Te Pāti Māori says it is moving forward confidently with its campaign strategy and remains determined to play a decisive role in shaping the next government.
#RadioWaatea #TePātiMāori #MāoriPolitics #Election2026 #ManaMotuhake #TeTiriti #TinoRangatiratanga #TeTaiTokerau #MariamenoKapaKingi #OriiniKaipara #RawiriWaititi #DebbieNgarewaPacker #HanaRawhiti #Aotearoa #NZPolitics
