NZ Labour MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, from the Te Pāti Māori Party, recently won the Hauraki-Waikato seat after defeating incumbent MP for the National Party. The election took place in 2023, and since then, Ms. Maipi-Clarke has been busy addressing her constituents. Her victory is a significant milestone, marking a new era for Te Pāti Māori.

In an exclusive interview with Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke discussed her recent win and the challenges that lie ahead. The conversation was led by Labour MP and former Minister for Māori Affairs, Nanaia Mahuta’s successor, but has now been taken over by one of her colleagues.

Ms. Maipi-Clarke stated, “My passion should be applauded to the extent that I am not defined by an opinion of what’s not right.” She emphasized that she is proud of being a young Māori woman who can confidently express herself and connect with her community.

The Labour Party under Ms. Mahuta’s leadership won several seats in the 2023 election, including Hauraki-Waikato. However, their victory was overshadowed by the controversy surrounding the proposed Treaty Principles Bill, which aims to rewrite New Zealand’s constitution.

Ms. Maipi-Clarke reflected on her win and said, “The important task ahead for me is to develop my skill set to translate that into political capital that delivers to my people.” She acknowledged that there is still much work to be done in building a strong relationship with the community.

As Ms. Maipi-Clarke begins her new role as an MP, she faces significant challenges. The party must navigate the complexities of implementing their vision for New Zealand’s future while maintaining a balance between their core values and the demands of the electorate.

In conclusion, Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke’s win marks a significant milestone for Te Pāti Māori and the Labour Party. As she embarks on her new role as an MP, she will need to navigate the complexities of politics while staying true to her values and connection with her community.

The battle ahead is not easy. The threshold of expectation is to deliver. It’s not what you say, it’s what you do.