Te Pāti Māori’s Oriini Kaipara Claims Tāmaki Makaurau Seat

The recent by-election for the Tāmaki Makaurau electorate has resulted in a significant victory for Te Pāti Māori, with Oriini Kaipara securing the seat. Kaipara’s win, with a margin of approximately 3,000 votes, was celebrated as a call for “unapologetic representation,” according to Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, co-leader of Te Pāti Māori. In the preliminary results, Kaipara garnered over 6,000 votes, while her closest competitor, Labour’s Peeni Henare, received just under 3,100 votes. The turnout for this election was reported at 27.1 percent.

Kaipara’s victory was marked by a warm reception at her party’s by-election event in Te Atatu Peninsula, where she was greeted with cheers and an emotional address. Reflecting on her campaign journey, she expressed gratitude to her supporters, particularly acknowledging women who resonated with her story. “Thank you all for your belief,” she said, as some in the audience were visibly moved by her speech.

In her address, Kaipara also extended respect to Henare, stating, “nothing changes in terms of my love, my respect, my utmost admiration for you.” She described her campaign experience as a rapid learning curve and expressed eagerness to collaborate with Henare in Parliament. Her background as a journalist provided her with insights into the political landscape, which she now intends to navigate as an elected representative.

Kaipara’s win was met with elation from John Tamihere, the party president, who emphasized the significance of the result given the resources available to the Labour Party. He noted that this outcome demonstrates a shift in voting patterns among Māori, who are increasingly opting for representation that aligns more closely with their values and identities.

Ngarewa-Packer reinforced this sentiment, stating that the people of Tāmaki Makaurau want “unapologetic representation.” She highlighted that the electorate’s demand for transformation was palpable during the campaign. “They got what they asked for,” she added, underscoring Kaipara’s potential to bring hope and change to the community.

While Te Pāti Māori celebrated their success, the Labour Party faced a disappointing night. Henare, who had held the seat previously, acknowledged the results were not in his favour from the outset. In his concession speech, he encouraged his supporters to maintain positivity and dignity, stating, “when they go low, we go high.” He recognized the need for the Labour Party to regroup and prepare for future challenges, emphasizing the importance of organization and motivation.

Amid the celebrations, some media outlets faced restrictions regarding access to the election night event, which sparked discussions about transparency and media relations. Kaipara defended the party’s decision, stating that the focus was on honouring families and adhering to Māori customs. “We put our whanau first, always, and we set the example,” she remarked.

Co-leader Rawiri Waititi described the electoral battle as a “David and Goliath type situation,” where Te Pāti Māori contended against substantial opposition forces. He noted that Māori representation has often been marginalised, adding that the party owes mainstream media nothing due to past grievances.

Looking ahead, the Electoral Commission confirmed that all votes counted on election night would be recounted, including special votes, with official results expected by September 17, 2023. The total estimated votes cast, including special ballots, approached 12,000.

The outcome of this by-election not only reflects the evolving political landscape in New Zealand but also underscores the growing demand for representation that resonates with the Māori community. As Kaipara prepares to assume her role in Parliament, her victory may signal a shift towards a new era in Māori political engagement.