Ousted Te Pāti Māori MPs Reflect on Expulsion and Future Plans

The recent expulsion of two MPs from the Te Pāti Māori has sparked significant discussion within New Zealand’s political landscape. On Monday, Te Tai Tonga MP Tākuta Ferris and his colleague Mariameno Kapa-Kingi were officially expelled from the party, leading to their first day back in Parliament since the incident. During a meeting held yesterday, Ferris described the expulsion process as a “joke” and criticized the conduct of the party’s leadership.

Ferris and Kapa-Kingi shared their thoughts in a video posted on social media, titled ‘Welcome back.’ The two independent MPs, along with other former party members, gathered to discuss recent events and their implications. In an interview with RNZ, Ferris expressed concern that fellow MPs Oriini Kaipara and Hana-Rawhiti Maipi Clarke are now “trapped” within the party, which he claims is behaving inappropriately.

“Their colleagues were informed of our expulsion through a press release,” Ferris stated. “This reflects poorly on the party’s conduct.” He emphasized that such actions would lead constituents to question the party’s direction and integrity. The gathered MPs, excluding co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, aimed to reconnect and share their experiences, although they did not discuss the formation of a new political entity.

Prior to their expulsion, Ferris, Kapa-Kingi, and Kaipara had sent a letter to the National Council of Te Pāti Māori requesting an urgent meeting to address their concerns. Ferris noted that despite having three current MPs sign the letter, it was ignored, leading to their subsequent expulsion. “Fifty percent of your caucus signed that letter, yet they chose to ignore it,” he remarked.

Both Kaipara and Maipi Clarke have refrained from publicly commenting on the expulsion but have addressed their electorates via social media. Ferris predicted that it would be “extremely awkward” for them to continue working within the party structure at Parliament.

Ngarewa-Packer, when asked about the meeting among the ousted MPs, stated they are entitled to engage with whomever they wish. She expressed no concern regarding the discussions or potential impacts on the party’s future.

Returning to Parliament, Ferris reiterated his commitment to serving his constituents, stating, “We are here for the kaupapa of Te Pāti Māori, not the personnel.” He emphasized the importance of the party’s founding vision and indicated his intention to challenge the legitimacy of the expulsion process.

Ferris raised questions about the decision-making process, noting that only 11 individuals participated in the meeting that led to the expulsion when there should have been 36. He pointed out that only two MPs were present instead of the expected six, suggesting significant flaws in the procedure.

Te Tai Tonga abstained from voting on the expulsion motion, with Ngarewa-Packer noting that it passed “without opposition.” Ferris explained that the executive’s decision to abstain was based on the belief that voting in favor would imply agreement with the flawed process.

No explanation has been provided to Ferris regarding the alleged constitutional breaches that led to his expulsion. He expressed frustration over the lack of clarity, stating, “No one has come to explain how the breach occurred.”

Reports suggest that one of the breaches involved comments made by Ferris during the Tāmaki Makaurau by-election, which were later supported by party president John Tamihere. Ferris denied any intention to orchestrate a leadership coup, asserting that he was focused on leading Te Tai Tonga.

As the party approaches its annual general meeting in December, Ferris indicated that many discussions remain to be had. He believes constituents expect answers regarding his expulsion and the party’s future direction. “The party has suffered reputational damage, and we need to assess whether that can be repaired,” he stated.

Ferris concluded that the pressure from constituents may necessitate a reorganization within Te Pāti Māori, as he urged Tamihere to step down for the party to have a viable future. “If the people won’t follow the party, then there is nothing left,” he warned.

Te Pāti Māori has been approached for further comment on these developments.