Te Pāti Māori Leaders Cut Media Conference Short Over Trust Issues

The co-leaders of Te Pāti Māori, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi, abruptly ended a media conference intended to mark a significant “reset” for the party, citing a breach of trust by reporters. This decision followed the much-anticipated introduction of their newest Member of Parliament, Oriini Kaipara, during a session hosted by Mihingārangi Forbes.

The media conference was meant to outline the party’s priorities for the upcoming year and to address recent criticisms regarding their leadership style. However, it was cut short when a reporter questioned the party’s approach in light of comments made by Eru Kapa-Kingi, who had accused the party of operating under a “dictatorship model.” Waititi defended the choice to leave, emphasizing that the party wanted to create a celebratory atmosphere around Kaipara’s arrival in Parliament.

“We wanted to reserve that space for celebration,” Waititi stated. “When you break the trust of that, then we don’t have too much more to say.” Ngarewa-Packer supported this sentiment, expressing frustration at the lack of respect from the media. She characterized Waititi’s actions during the conference as protective rather than domineering, stating, “He’s not pulling me aside, he’s protecting me.”

Waititi criticized mainstream media for focusing excessively on conflict, particularly following an unsanctioned haka performed at the end of Kaipara’s inaugural speech, which he described as an “overreaction.” In response to Kapa-Kingi’s allegations, Waititi noted that they represented the views of a single individual and maintained that no other dissenting voices had emerged within the party.

Ngarewa-Packer remarked that Kapa-Kingi was “sticking up for his māma,” and highlighted that leadership often comes with allegations that must be addressed through actions rather than words. “Our actions speak for ourselves,” she asserted, reiterating that the co-leaders are ultimately accountable to their electorates.

The conversation also touched upon broader policy issues. Beginning next year, individuals aged 18-19 seeking Jobseeker support or equivalent emergency benefits will face a parental income test to determine their eligibility. This policy coincides with a notable decline in employment opportunities and an increase in New Zealanders relocating to Australia for work. Ngarewa-Packer shared a personal connection to this issue, revealing that her 21-year-old son, a building apprentice, is considering moving to Australia due to a lack of job prospects.

She emphasized the need to shift investment away from the “top end” of the economy, advocating for support for small-to-medium-sized businesses to retain resources within New Zealand. “We’ve talked about the redistribution of wealth,” she said, underscoring the importance of local investment.

Waititi pointed to the party’s ‘Whānau First’ policy, which aims to allocate 25 percent of procurements to Māori, as a potential solution to economic disparities. “Unfortunately, our people and our contractors are not getting those jobs,” he noted, criticizing a system that favors connections over merit.

As the party prepares for the upcoming election, Ngarewa-Packer signaled a willingness to collaborate with opposition parties, highlighting common ground with Te Pāti Kākāriki (Green Party) and Labour on issues such as wealth tax and ensuring no one is left behind. Despite previous tensions, particularly after MP Tākuta Ferris expressed discontent over non-Māori campaigning for Labour, both co-leaders emphasized the urgency of unseating the current coalition government.

Waititi articulated the importance of moving beyond historical grievances, stating, “If we go back to the foreshore and seabed, that’s the reason why we’re here as Te Pāti Māori.” He acknowledged the party’s growth and political maturity, expressing hope for continued dialogue with other factions.

Additionally, Waititi addressed the recent changes in party leadership following the death of Takutai Moana Natasha Kemp, clarifying that former party whip Mariameno Kapa-Kingi was not demoted but rather reassigned. This change comes with a notable pay cut of approximately $20,000 for Kapa-Kingi.

For those interested in further details, the full interview is available on the RNZ website.