Te Pāti Māori Faces Turmoil on ‘Reset’ Day Amid Controversies

Te Pāti Māori’s recent ‘reset’ day was overshadowed by a series of controversies that have plagued the party in recent months. As the party’s newest MP, Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke, delivered her maiden speech in Parliament, tensions escalated following a significant split with the influential ally Toitū Te Tiriti. The rift culminated last week when Eru Kapa-Kingi, a leader within Toitū, described the party’s internal environment as “toxic” and accused it of operating under a “dictatorship” model.

The split with Toitū Te Tiriti marks a critical moment for Te Pāti Māori, which has struggled to maintain cohesion in the face of criticism. Kapa-Kingi’s allegations were not the first signs of trouble; Lloyd Burr, Stuff’s explainer editor, indicated that the issues began surfacing weeks prior to these claims. The party’s handling of the Tāmaki Makaurau by-election was particularly criticized for poor management and lack of communication, which led to tensions among party members.

One of the incidents that fueled the internal strife was a controversial social media post by MP Tākuta Ferris. In the post, he disparaged volunteers from various ethnic backgrounds participating in the by-election campaign alongside Labour. Although party leaders issued an apology, Ferris stood firm, asserting that the Māori seats should be exclusively for Māori candidates. This incident further strained relationships within the party, resulting in the demotion of respected MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi, Eru’s mother, from her role as party whip.

With the party facing such turmoil, Burr noted the potential for a significant split reminiscent of former MP Hone Harawira, who famously left Te Pāti Māori to form his own party. He suggested that while the current co-leaders may remain with Te Pāti Māori, other MPs could pursue separate paths.

The relationship between Toitū Te Tiriti and Te Pāti Māori has deep roots, with Kapa-Kingi positioned as a key figure in both. His allegations pointed to unresolved structural issues within the party, including the failure to conduct annual meetings as constitutionally required. The Toitū movement has since sought to clarify that while it originated from Te Pāti Māori, it has evolved into an independent entity focused on educating and advocating for the principles of the Te Tiriti o Waitangi. A statement from Toitū emphasized their commitment to maintaining independence from political parties.

Political reporter Lillian Hanly highlighted the complexities surrounding Kapa-Kingi’s dual role as both a prominent activist and the son of a party member. This duality raises questions about the motivations behind the party’s actions in Parliament. Many observers, including Burr, are left wondering whether Te Pāti Māori’s presence in Parliament serves as a platform for genuine change or merely as a theatrical exercise in activism.

As the party grapples with these challenges, it faces scrutiny not only from the public but also from other political parties, including Labour and the Greens. Voters are questioning the party’s direction and whether it can provide stable governance amidst ongoing infighting.

Despite the controversies, Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke’s recognition by Time as one of the world’s “most influential rising stars” offers a glimmer of hope for the party. However, this accolade has largely been overshadowed by the ongoing internal disputes.

Te Pāti Māori now stands at a crossroads, with key decisions to make regarding its future direction and unity. As it attempts to redefine itself, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether it can overcome the controversies that have recently defined its narrative.