Mariameno Kapa-Kingi Removed as Te Pāti Māori Whip Amid Controversy

Mariameno Kapa-Kingi has been removed from her position as the party whip for Te Pāti Māori, a decision announced by the party’s leadership. This change places the role in the hands of co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, as listed on the official Parliament website. Kapa-Kingi’s removal entails a significant financial impact, with a salary decrease of approximately $20,000.

In a brief statement to the media outside Parliament on March 14, 2024, Kapa-Kingi expressed her disappointment, noting that she enjoyed her work in the role. While she refrained from providing detailed comments regarding the leadership’s decision, she remarked that “things are changing.”

The shake-up comes amidst heightened scrutiny of her colleague, MP Tākuta Ferris. Ferris has recently faced backlash for his remarks in a social media video where he described it as “unacceptable” for individuals from other ethnic backgrounds to campaign for Māori seats, which he claimed should remain with the Māori people. He also accused the Labour Party of “erasing Māori.”

Kapa-Kingi addressed the controversy surrounding Ferris’s comments, acknowledging that his language “wasn’t as delicate as it could have been.” Her remarks suggest a recognition of the need for more sensitive dialogue within the party regarding ethnic representation and campaigning.

The leadership changes and the surrounding discussions highlight ongoing tensions within New Zealand’s political landscape, particularly regarding Māori representation and the dynamics of political campaigning. As Te Pāti Māori navigates these challenges, the implications for its members and their roles remain to be seen.

Kapa-Kingi’s removal and Ferris’s controversial statements may signal a pivotal moment for Te Pāti Māori, especially as the party prepares for upcoming electoral challenges. The evolving situation underscores the importance of internal cohesion and the need for careful communication in addressing sensitive topics related to ethnicity and representation.