Ousted Te Pāti Māori MPs Criticize Expulsion Process

The recent expulsion of two members from Te Pāti Māori has sparked significant controversy. On Monday, MPs Tākuta Ferris and Mariameno Kapa-Kingi were ousted from the party, leading to their first day back in Parliament yesterday as independent MPs. Ferris described the expulsion process as a “joke” during an interview with RNZ, criticizing the conduct of the party leadership and calling for greater transparency within the organization.

In a social media post, Ferris and Kapa-Kingi shared a video featuring a song titled “Welcome back,” signaling their return to Parliament after the expulsion. Ferris expressed concern for their former colleagues Oriini Kaipara and Hana-Rawhiti Maipi Clarke, stating they were now “trapped” in a party that he believes is acting unethically. He remarked, “Our mates, they weren’t told we were getting expelled. They were told by the press release. This is the degree of the conduct, right? It’s way below the line.”

During a gathering with Kaipara and a representative for Maipi Clarke, Ferris emphasized that the meeting focused on reconnecting rather than discussing the formation of a new party. The meeting took place after Ferris, Kapa-Kingi, and Kaipara sent a letter to the National Council of Te Pāti Māori, requesting an “immediate audience” to voice their concerns. Ferris noted that the absence of a response to their letter was troubling.

He pointed out that their letter, signed by three sitting MPs, represented fifty percent of the caucus, yet it was ignored prior to their expulsions. He commented, “It’s just sitting there being ignored, but it’s got three signatures.” Both Kaipara and Maipi Clarke have since addressed their electorates through social media but have yet to make public statements regarding their expulsion.

The political atmosphere remains tense, as Ferris described the situation as “extremely awkward” for Kaipara and Maipi Clarke within the party’s offices. Co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer acknowledged their right to meet but expressed no concern about the implications for the party.

Returning to Parliament, Ferris conveyed his commitment to his role as the representative of Te Tai Tonga, stating, “We’re here for the kaupapa of Te Pāti Māori, not the personnel of Te Pāti Māori.” He expressed his intention to challenge the expulsion process, questioning the legitimacy of the decision-making meeting, which included only 11 attendees when 36 were expected.

Ferris also indicated that no one had clarified the specific constitutional breaches that led to his expulsion. He rejected accusations of plotting a leadership coup and stated he is focused on representing Te Tai Tonga. The upcoming Annual General Meeting in December is expected to be pivotal, as constituents seek explanations regarding the expulsion.

The circumstances surrounding the expulsions have raised concerns about the party’s reputation. Ferris warned that if the current leadership continues to operate in this manner, the party risks losing its support. “Do we have the time or the energy or the resources available to repair that, whilst we’ve got to move all our people towards making sure that the government goes away next year?” he questioned.

Ferris insisted that the party must address the damage incurred, suggesting a need for reorganization if the leadership does not change. He stated, “No future because the people won’t follow it. And if there’s no people, there’s no nothing.” The leadership of Te Pāti Māori has been approached for comment regarding these developments.