Te Pāti Māori Leaders Address Media Trust Issues at Reset Event

Te Pāti Māori’s co-leaders, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi, have publicly defended their decision to abruptly end a media conference during a highly anticipated party reset. This incident occurred while the party celebrated the entry of its newest Member of Parliament, Oriini Kaipara. The co-leaders expressed that a breakdown of trust with the media led to their early departure from the event.

During a discussion hosted by Mihingārangi Forbes, Ngarewa-Packer and Waititi outlined their priorities for the coming year and addressed recent criticisms from within the party. These included allegations made by Eru Kapa-Kingi regarding the party’s leadership style and its relationship with the media. The media conference was intended to mark a fresh start for the party; however, it was cut short when a reporter raised Kapa-Kingi’s assertion that the party operates under a “dictatorship model.”

Waititi defended their decision to walk away, emphasizing the importance of allowing the party to celebrate the arrival of Kaipara. “Give us our time to celebrate the reset of this waka, and that is exactly what we said to the media before that stand-up happened,” he stated. He added, “When you break the trust of that, then we don’t have too much more to say.”

Ngarewa-Packer echoed these sentiments, asserting that the media’s handling of the event lacked the respect they expected. “We’re here to talk to you about everything, but… we’re not getting that respect back,” she said. She also clarified that Waititi’s actions during the event were protective rather than dismissive. “He’s not pulling me aside, he’s protecting me,” she remarked, highlighting the supportive nature of their partnership.

The co-leaders criticized mainstream media for prioritizing conflict over constructive dialogue. They pointed to an “overreaction” to an unsanctioned haka performed at the conclusion of Kaipara’s inaugural speech. In response to Kapa-Kingi’s claims, Waititi noted that they reflected the opinion of one individual and that “nobody else has come out” to support those views. Ngarewa-Packer added that Kapa-Kingi was simply defending his mother, stating, “With leadership comes many allegations, but you actually just have to carry on and get on with the action.”

The co-leaders maintained that their accountability lies with their electorates, emphasizing their commitment to the party’s goals despite external criticisms. “We don’t get cancelled out by individuals,” Ngarewa-Packer affirmed. When asked about the potential for repairing relationships with dissenters, Waititi indicated that they have always been open to discussions.

“We’ve already tacked back in,” he said. He elaborated on the challenges the party has faced, including responding to attacks on Te Tiriti o Waitangi, women’s rights, rainbow communities, unions, and environmental issues. “When you’re in the weeds, you lose sight of actually what is it that we’re here to do,” he explained.

Looking ahead, the co-leaders discussed upcoming changes in policy affecting young people in New Zealand. Starting in 2024, 18- to 19-year-olds seeking Jobseeker support will need to take a parental income test. This shift comes amid a notable decline in employment opportunities and an increasing number of New Zealanders relocating to Australia in search of work. Ngarewa-Packer expressed concern over this trend, stating, “This is a personal thing for me,” as she has a son facing challenges in securing employment.

She advocated for a shift in investment priorities away from the “top end” of the economy and called for a focus on supporting small-to-medium-sized businesses. “We’ve talked about the redistribution of wealth,” she noted, emphasizing the need to retain resources in New Zealand.

Waititi highlighted the party’s ‘Whānau First’ policy, aiming to ensure that 25 percent of public procurements go to Māori businesses. “Unfortunately, our people and our contractors are not getting those jobs,” he remarked, noting that opportunities often favour those within exclusive networks.

As they prepare for the upcoming election, Ngarewa-Packer outlined the party’s willingness to collaborate with opposition parties. “We didn’t expect the growth we’ve had, so we’ve had to really grow up, even politically,” she said. She acknowledged previous tensions with Labour, particularly in relation to past campaign incidents, but reiterated their focus on unseating the current coalition government.

“We could easily go back and say, ‘Well, we didn’t agree with you there,'” Waititi said, referring to the historical context of the party’s formation. “But we’ve moved on down the track and found that there are some commonalities there.”

Additionally, Waititi clarified the recent administrative changes within the party, stating that former whip Mariameno Kapa-Kingi was not demoted but reassigned following the death of Natasha Kemp, a significant party figure. Losing the whip position will result in a pay cut of approximately $20,000 for Kapa-Kingi.

The full interview is available on the RNZ website, providing further insights into the party’s strategies and future direction.