Oriini Kaipara will represent Te Pāti Māori in Tāmaki Makaurau by-election

Thursday, 10 July 2025

Te Pāti Māori has confirmed Oriini Kaipara will represent the party in the upcoming Tāmaki Makaurau Māori seat by-election triggered by the death of Takutai Moana ‘Tarsh’ Kemp in June.

Kaipara (Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Awa, Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Rangitihi) is an award winning broadcaster. She was brought up at Hoani Waititi Marae, where she was raised by her mother in a strong Māori environment, the party said in a statement.

“She has dedicated decades amplifying the stories of Māori communities, holding prime ministers to account and chairing nationally televised Māori electorate debates,” said Te Pāti Māori.

Kaipara said she’s committed to honouring the late Takutai Tarsh Kemp, “who served with ngākau mahaki and deep love for whānau.”

“My commitment is to honour her legacy by being a fierce advocate for Tāmaki,” Kaipara said.

Her role was now to move from covering the story to changing it, she said.

“Māori are being attacked left, right and centre for purely existing. It’s vile and it’s not good enough.”

Te Pāti Māori Co-leader, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer said Kaiara brings a lifetime of leadership and and advocacy in the media and community.

“Her voice is exactly what Tāmaki needs to honour the memory of Takutai Moana and to ensure Māori voices are heard loud and clear in Parliament.”

Co-leader Rawiri Waititi said she understands the deep connection between whakapapa and politics, “and she’s not here to play games.”

“She will fiercely uphold kaupapa that protect our whenua, defend our whānau, and uplift our tamariki with unapologetic Māori leadership” said Waititi.

Labour has not officially confirmed its plans for the Tāmaki Makaurau election. But it’s understood Peeni Henare, a current List MP and former MP for Tamaki Makaurau, will soon be confirmed to stand in the by-election.

The Government is yet to confirm when that by election will be.