Te Pāti Māori has launched a nationwide campaign grounded in a clear strategic directive: “one plan, two votes.” As candidates fan out across the motu, the party is positioning itself as an unapologetic, independent force, aiming to dismantle systems they argue have failed Māori while mobilising their whānau at the grassroots level.
At the heart of the campaign is a message of unity and clear-eyed political ambition. Te Pāti Māori co-leader, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, emphasises that the party’s movement is run by its electorates and driven by a philosophy of aroha.
“I think that’s one of the biggest advantage points that we have… and that’s why I said that it’s a campaign of love, a campaign of Aroha,” Ngarewa-Packer said.
For the party, the immediate goal is twofold: removing the current government and ensuring a stronger Māori presence in Parliament. Ngarewa-Packer was clear about the importance of voter strategy in achieving this.
“The campaign strategy must be that we vote and focus on the candidate votes,” she said. “But the only way we are going to get this Government out, get more Māori in Parliament and continue to be the loudest unapologetic independent Māori voice is to focus on giving our votes to Te Pāti Māori candidates.”
Across the electorates, a new wave of candidates are translating that strategy into on-the-ground action. In Ikaroa Rāwhiti, where the campaign strategy was launched, newcomer Haley Maxwell is focused on engaging whānau where they live, often clearing up misconceptions about her role in the process.
“They saw my billboards and thought I was going to be a singing artist for them that day entertaining,” Maxwell shared. “And I had to explain to our whānau what my role is and why I was there and I directed them straight to the electoral commission office to enrol onto the Māori roll.”
Maxwell described her candidacy as a commitment to the next generation. “It hasn’t been easy but I am willing to take on any challenge that threatens the wellbeing of our mokopuna… I’ve always rolled that way,” she said.
In Te Tai Tonga, candidate Lisa Marie Murch says her motivation stems from observing the challenges facing Māori over the last three years.
“I have seen first hand for the last three years the absolute attack on Māori through the public services through education through Te Tiriti,” Murch said. “And that is why I’m standing for Te Pāti Māori.”
Murch argues that the party is focused on transformation rather than simple policy management. “We are not here to manage the same systems that have failed our people,” she said. “We are here to change them through education, secure homes, healthy whānau, [and the] protection of our whenua and wai in an economy where our people can actually get ahead.”
As the campaign progresses, the party maintains that its strength lies in its independence. Whether in the West, the East, or the Deep South, the message from the movement remains consistent: they are seeking a government that serves their communities through an unapologetic Māori voice.