Te Pāti Māori’s Oriini Kaipara Wins Tāmaki Makaurau By-Election

Te Pāti Māori’s Oriini Kaipara has secured a significant victory in the Tāmaki Makaurau by-election, marking a pivotal moment for the party. With a margin of approximately 3,000 votes, Kaipara received over 6,000 votes, while Labour’s Peeni Henare garnered just under 3,100 votes. The results highlight a growing demand for representation among Māori voters, with a turnout of only 27.1 percent.

In her victory speech, Kaipara expressed gratitude to her supporters, stating, “Thank you all, not just for being here, but for working hard, for your toil, your efforts, your support, but more than anything, your belief.” Her emotional address resonated with many in attendance, particularly women, as she emphasized the importance of community and shared experiences.

Implications for Labour Party

Labour Party representatives, including Henare, acknowledged the defeat, which they called a disappointment. Henare conceded the election after the initial results indicated a clear lead for Kaipara. In his concession speech, he urged his supporters to remain positive and to prepare for future challenges, saying, “When they go low, we go high.”

Willie Jackson, Henare’s campaign manager, remarked on the difficulties faced during the campaign, noting the emotional impact of the recent passing of former candidate Takutai Tarsh Kemp. He emphasized the challenges of competing against Te Pāti Māori’s growing influence, stating, “It was always tough with Tarsh dying.”

The Labour Party’s loss underscores a shift in voter sentiment, as indicated by Te Pāti Māori’s co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer. She stated, “Tāmaki Makaurau has told us we want unapologetic representation.” Ngarewa-Packer highlighted that voters are increasingly looking for transformation within the political landscape of Aotearoa.

Media Relations and Future Challenges

The election night event for Te Pāti Māori was not without controversy, as several media outlets, including RNZ and TVNZ, were denied access. Kaipara addressed this decision, explaining that the focus was on family and community values. “We have run this by tikanga Māori right from the start,” she said, emphasizing the party’s commitment to cultural principles.

Co-leader Rawiri Waititi framed the election as a “David and Goliath type situation,” noting that Te Pāti Māori faced significant opposition from mainstream media and other political parties. He remarked on the historical struggles of Māori representation in democracy, stating, “We owe mainstream media nothing.”

As the election results are finalized, the Electoral Commission has announced plans to recount all votes, including special ballots. The official results are expected to be released by September 17, 2023. This by-election not only reflects the current political climate but also signals a potential shift towards greater Māori representation in New Zealand’s political future.