Veteran Māori political leader Hone Harawira has announced he will not seek Te Pāti Māori’s candidacy for the Te Tai Tokerau electorate in the 2026 General Election, instead throwing his support behind respected Te Tai Tokerau leader Aperahama Edwards.
The announcement follows last week’s confirmation that Mariameno Kapa-Kingi would step away from her role as Te Pāti Māori MP for Te Tai Tokerau — a move many within party circles had expected, but one still met with sadness across the north.
In a statement, Harawira said concerns had been growing within local branches about the future direction of the party in Te Tai Tokerau.
“For many months, our Te Hiku Branch of Te Pāti Māori had been asking her to come and tell us what was happening, but she never came,” Harawira said.
Following Kapa-Kingi’s announcement, Harawira organised a “Where to from Here” discussion with key Te Pāti Māori leaders from across Te Tai Tokerau. The group agreed on a pathway forward focused on acknowledging Kapa-Kingi’s contribution, rebuilding the party structure, preparing for the future, respecting party selection processes, and moving forward positively.
Harawira later told Te Karere that while Kapa-Kingi’s departure marked a significant moment, Te Pāti Māori remained “very much alive in the north.”
He said immediate priorities included rebuilding grassroots support and reconnecting communities to the party.
“We would do our best to help rebuild the Pāti base,” he said.
As part of that effort, Harawira helped organise a rapid Tai Tokerau roadshow this week, meeting with organisers and supporters in Kaikohe, Whangārei, Te Raki Pae Whenua, Waitākere and Te Hiku.
The meetings revealed that formal party branches across much of the north were no longer operating — something Harawira described as “gutting” — but enthusiasm to rebuild remained strong.
Plans are now underway to re-establish branches in each region, alongside campaigns focused on voter enrolment, party membership, and local organising teams.
After discussions with his wife Hilda, close friends, and senior supporters including Aperahama Edwards, Harawira confirmed he would not stand himself.
“I HAVE DECIDED TO NOT PUT MY NAME FORWARD FOR THE CANDIDACY FOR THE TE PATI MAORI TAI TOKERAU SEAT IN THE 2026 GENERAL ELECTION,” he said.
Instead, Harawira has formally endorsed Edwards’ candidacy.
Edwards, of Ngātiwai, is widely recognised throughout Te Tai Tokerau for his work across iwi and hapū development, kaupapa Māori advocacy, environmental protection, te reo revitalisation, and regional leadership.
Over many years he has built a reputation as a strategic advocate for Te Tai Tokerau communities, with a strong focus on protecting Te Tiriti o Waitangi, strengthening Māori development, and safeguarding the environment.
“Te Tai Tokerau deserves representation that is courageous, principled, and grounded in the people,” Edwards said.
“I am putting my name forward because our people need a voice that will stand firm for Te Tiriti, stay focused on the kaupapa that matter to Tai Tokerau, and provide stable, disciplined leadership for the future we leave to our mokopuna and generations to come.”
The contest for the Te Tai Tokerau candidacy is expected to draw significant attention as Te Pāti Māori begins rebuilding its northern organisation ahead of the 2026 election campaign.
