Ousted Te Pāti Māori MPs Criticize Expulsion Process

A recent meeting between ousted Te Pāti Māori MPs and their former colleagues has highlighted ongoing tensions within the party. The meeting, attended by new independents Tākuta Ferris and Mariameno Kapa-Kingi, took place shortly after their expulsion on October 30, 2023. Ferris described the expulsion as a “joke” and criticized the process as underhanded, suggesting it has left remaining members feeling trapped.

Ferris expressed concerns that MPs Oriini Kaipara and Hana-Rawhiti Maipi Clarke are now “trapped” within an organization behaving “way below the line.” He emphasized the lack of communication from Te Pāti Māori about the expulsion, stating, “Our mates, they weren’t told we were getting expelled. They were told by the press release.” This conduct, he argued, leads to a natural conclusion that the party environment is untenable.

In an interview with RNZ, Ferris explained that the gathering was primarily about reconnecting, stating, “We just wanted to get back together.” Discussions about forming a new political party were not on the agenda. The meeting was held in light of a letter Ferris, Kapa-Kingi, and Kaipara sent to the National Council of Te Pāti Māori, seeking an “immediate audience” to express concerns. Ferris noted that their request had not received a response, saying, “It’s just sitting there being ignored.”

Ferris highlighted the awkward position that Kaipara and Maipi Clarke would face in the party’s offices, given the recent upheaval. When asked for her views on the meeting, co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer stated that the MPs were entitled to meet with anyone they chose, demonstrating a degree of detachment from the situation.

As both Ferris and Kapa-Kingi returned to Parliament, Ferris reaffirmed his commitment to the objectives of Te Pāti Māori. He stated, “We’re here for the kaupapa of Te Pāti Māori, not the personnel.” The MPs intend to challenge the expulsion process, citing concerns about the small number of individuals involved in the decision-making meeting, which included only 11 people instead of the expected 36.

Ferris pointed out that the Te Tai Tonga electorate abstained from the vote on the expulsion, with Ngarewa-Packer noting that the motion passed “without opposition.” He questioned the legitimacy of the process, stating, “No one’s come to explain to me exactly what the breaches are.” Reports suggest that one allegation against him involved racially charged comments he made during the Tāmaki Makaurau by-election.

In this context, Ferris firmly rejected any claims of plotting a leadership coup, stating, “I’m leading Te Tai Tonga.” He emphasized that multiple meetings are planned before the upcoming Annual General Meeting in early December, where constituents are expected to demand explanations regarding the expulsion.

Ferris expressed concern over the reputational damage the party has sustained, questioning whether it can recover. He remarked, “The people will speak up. The pressure will be so immense from outside that the only option will be to reorganize the party.” He called for party president John Tamihere to step down, asserting that without significant change, the party’s future is bleak.

Te Pāti Māori has been approached for comment regarding these allegations and the ongoing situation within the party, but no response has been received at this time.