Northland continues to face some of the toughest economic challenges in Aotearoa, with rising unemployment hitting Māori communities particularly hard, even as the region demonstrates resilience in recovering from severe weather events and navigating a rapidly changing political landscape.
Speaking with Radio Waatea, Green Party MP Huhana Lyndon said Northland is once again carrying a disproportionate share of the country’s economic hardship, with Māori rangatahi among those most affected by the latest labour market figures.
New unemployment data shows Māori continue to experience significantly higher jobless rates than the national average, with Northland remaining one of the regions most impacted by limited employment opportunities and ongoing economic pressures.
Lyndon said unemployment is more than an economic statistic, affecting whānau wellbeing, housing security, education and the long-term aspirations of young people.
She said creating meaningful employment pathways for rangatahi Māori remains one of the region’s most urgent priorities, particularly as many communities continue to recover from the social and economic impacts of recent years.
Despite those challenges, Lyndon pointed to the resilience shown by Northlanders following severe storms that caused widespread flooding, slips and infrastructure damage across the upper North Island.
Communities came together to support one another through emergency responses, clean-up efforts and ongoing recovery work, demonstrating the strength of local whānau, hapū and volunteers in the face of adversity.
Lyndon said that same resilience is now needed to confront the region’s economic challenges, ensuring communities are supported with investment, employment opportunities and long-term development.
The discussion also turned to the political debate surrounding New Zealand’s electoral system after National leader Christopher Luxon announced he would hold a referendum on the country’s Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) voting system if re-elected.
The proposal has drawn criticism from coalition partner New Zealand First, with leader Winston Peters describing the move as a political power grab.
Lyndon said any discussion about changing the electoral system must recognise the importance of ensuring diverse voices continue to be represented in Parliament, particularly those of Māori and smaller political parties.
She said strong democratic representation remains essential as communities face significant decisions on employment, housing, infrastructure and the future relationship between Māori and the Crown.
For Northland, Lyndon said the focus must remain on addressing the issues affecting people’s daily lives rather than becoming distracted from the challenges confronting whānau.
As New Zealand heads towards the general election, she believes the experiences of regions such as Te Tai Tokerau should remain at the centre of the national conversation.
With unemployment, recovery from severe weather and constitutional debate all shaping the political landscape, Lyndon said Northland’s resilience will continue to be one of its greatest strengths—but lasting progress will require sustained investment in people, jobs and communities.
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