Te Pāti Māori Swaps Leadership Roles Amid Controversies

Te Pāti Māori has made a significant internal leadership change as co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer assumes the role of party whip from Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. The transition, noted as “uncommon” by Clerk of the House David Wilson, took place on October 10, 2023. This change comes at a time when the party is facing increased scrutiny following a series of controversies.

Kapa-Kingi, who has held the whip position since December 2021, will experience a pay cut of $19,000. She will now receive a salary of approximately $183,600. Ngarewa-Packer will maintain her co-leader salary of $202,600 without an additional pay increase. The role of party whip involves responsibilities such as ensuring MPs are present for votes, resolving internal disputes, and granting leave for absences.

The internal role swap coincides with heightened attention on Te Pāti Māori, particularly after Oriini Kaipara secured a decisive victory over Labour’s Peeni Henare in the Tāmaki Makaurau by-election. Nevertheless, the party’s recent success has been overshadowed by controversial remarks made by MP Tākuta Ferris on social media, as well as tensions between the party and mainstream media.

When approached for comment regarding her removal as whip, Kapa-Kingi declined to elaborate, stating, “I won’t be able to comment on it at this point. I’m sorry.” She suggested that Ngarewa-Packer might address the matter on behalf of the party. Ngarewa-Packer explained that the leadership change was intended to facilitate the party’s focus on electorate work and campaigning for the upcoming 2026 elections.

Regarding Kapa-Kingi’s pay cut, Ngarewa-Packer noted, “Our caucus discusses everything. Our priority is to repeat the success of what we did in Tāmaki Makaurau, get rid of this government and be determining the next government.” She also mentioned her previous experience as party whip, asserting that this arrangement is not unprecedented for the party.

Despite the lack of formal rules preventing a party leader from holding the whip’s role, some observers have raised concerns about the concentration of power this arrangement may entail. The dual role could enhance Ngarewa-Packer’s influence within parliamentary committees, including the Privileges Committee and the Business Committee.

Wilson confirmed that while it is unusual for a party leader to also serve as whip, it is not prohibited. He emphasized that the House typically does not intervene in the internal matters of political parties. Both roles have the authority to grant absenteeism and proxy voting permissions, potentially reducing checks and balances when they are held by a single individual.

As a small party with six MPs, Te Pāti Māori often finds its representatives absent from Parliament during sitting days as they attend to their electorates. It is common for only a few party members to be present, particularly towards the end of the sitting week. In instances where no party MPs are in the House, Te Pāti Māori has historically coordinated with other parties, such as the Greens, to cast votes on its behalf.

The timing of this leadership change comes amid ongoing discussions surrounding Te Pāti Māori’s media access policies and the fallout from Ferris’s social media comments. During the by-election, Ferris faced backlash for a post that was deemed racially insensitive, leading to condemnation from both Labour and other opposition MPs.

Labour Party senior MP Willie Jackson labeled Ferris’s comments as racist, while Ngarewa-Packer reiterated that his views do not represent the party’s stance. Despite this, Ferris later defended his remarks in a lengthy video, prompting further criticism from Labour leader Chris Hipkins, who expressed concern over the implications for future collaboration between the two parties.

In addition to the social media controversy, Te Pāti Māori has been criticized for restrictive media access during campaign events. The party’s tactics led to a standoff between Kaipara and reporters from 1 News following a refusal to grant interviews. Ngarewa-Packer characterized the media’s behavior as “predatory,” prompting disputes over the accuracy of her claims.

As the party navigates these challenges, the focus remains on maintaining momentum following the by-election victory while addressing internal and external pressures. Ngarewa-Packer confirmed that Kaipara is expected to join the parliamentary team once officially sworn in as an MP, marking a new chapter for Te Pāti Māori as it prepares for future electoral contests.