Green Party MP Hūhana Lyndon is calling for a stronger partnership between government, iwi and communities to improve housing, protect the environment and strengthen whānau wellbeing, saying the health of people and the health of the land are inseparable.
Representing Te Tai Tokerau, Lyndon has built her political career around Māori development, Whānau Ora, environmental protection and community empowerment. Drawing on her background in iwi leadership, forestry and regional development, she says lasting change requires solutions that place whānau and local communities at the centre of decision-making.
Housing remains one of the most pressing issues facing Māori communities, with Lyndon pointing to the ongoing challenge of ensuring whānau have access to warm, safe and affordable homes.
She says barriers including rising housing costs, limited housing supply and unequal access to home ownership continue to affect many Māori families, contributing to wider health and social inequities.
Lyndon believes stronger collaboration between central government, iwi authorities, local councils and community organisations will be essential to increasing housing supply and delivering solutions that reflect the needs and aspirations of Māori communities.
Environmental wellbeing is another key focus for the Te Tai Tokerau MP, who argues that protecting the taiao is fundamental to the health of both people and future generations.
She says issues such as freshwater quality, biodiversity loss, climate change and the sustainable management of natural resources remain among the most significant environmental challenges facing Te Tai Tokerau.
Lyndon believes Māori knowledge and environmental stewardship have an important role to play in restoring ecosystems while supporting resilient communities and local economies.
Beyond housing and the environment, she says healthy whānau are built through strong connections to culture, identity, education, healthcare and secure employment.
She points to community-led initiatives, Whānau Ora programmes and kaupapa Māori services as examples of approaches that empower families by recognising their strengths rather than focusing solely on disadvantage.
As the 2026 General Election approaches, Lyndon says investment in healthy homes, a healthy environment and thriving whānau should remain central to efforts to reduce inequity and create stronger communities across Aotearoa.
She believes achieving those outcomes will require long-term partnerships that place Māori voices and aspirations at the heart of policy development and community wellbeing.
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