Before Politics
- ◆Teacher
- ◆Musician and artist
- ◆Māori language and culture advocate
- ◆Community leader in Rotorua
Parliamentary Career
- ◆MP for Waiariki since 2020
- ◆Co-Leader of Te Pāti Māori since 2021
- ◆Prominent voice for Treaty justice in the 54th Parliament
Key Positions
- →Tino rangatiratanga — Māori self-determination
- →Treaty of Waitangi justice and implementation
- →Te reo Māori language revival
- →Abolition of the Māori electorate system in favour of full Te Tiriti representation
- →Māori economic development
Accomplishments
- ✓Led powerful haka alongside Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke during Treaty Principles Bill first reading — gained global attention
- ✓Helped grow Te Pāti Māori to its best MMP-era result in 2023 — winning all seven Māori electorates
- ✓Youngest co-leader of a NZ parliamentary party at the time of his appointment
Controversies
- !Repeatedly suspended from Parliament for wearing traditional hei tiki instead of the required tie — challenged the Westminster dress code on principle
- !Charged with drink-driving in 2022 — stood down temporarily as co-leader, later cleared of the charge
Bio Summary
Co-leader and cultural powerhouse known for passionate oratory and tireless advocacy for tino rangatiratanga.
Neutral disclaimer: Fair Say NZ provides neutral profile data for civic education purposes. Information is based on publicly available sources. Verify via official Parliament and party websites before acting on any detail.