In a bold and emotionally charged move, former Kiingitanga spokesperson Ngira Simmonds has thrown down the gauntlet, challenging the leadership of Te Pāti Māori during their Annual General Meeting (AGM). But here's where it gets controversial: Simmonds openly questioned whether the current leaders are truly capable of uniting the party, a statement that has sparked intense debate. This isn’t just about internal politics—it’s about the very heart and soul of a movement that claims to represent Māori aspirations. And this is the part most people miss: While Simmonds criticized certain party members, he also emphasized his unwavering support for Te Pāti Māori, highlighting the deep pain and frustration felt by its members and the wider Māori community amid recent turmoil.
The AGM, held at Waiatuhi marae in Rotorua, was a slimmed-down affair with around 200 attendees. However, the event was overshadowed by a high court ruling that temporarily reinstated Mariameno Kapa-Kingi as a party member, a decision that significantly impacted the meeting’s agenda. An email sent to members prior to the AGM stated that, in compliance with the court ruling, the meeting would be limited to receiving reports from leadership and electorates, with no room for additional resolutions or motions. This closed-door approach comes on the heels of months of internal strife, including the expulsion of two out of six MPs—Tākuta Ferris and Kapa-Kingi—the latter of whom attended the AGM following the court’s intervention.
During the pōwhiri, speakers repeatedly addressed the disunity within the party, urging members to stop ‘biting each other’s backs’ (ngau tuara). Simmonds, driven by his profound sadness and frustration, spoke passionately in te reo Māori about the pain caused by this year’s internal conflicts. He referenced Kiingi Tuheitia’s 2024 call for kotahitanga (unity) and how this message resonated across the country, yet seemed to fall on deaf ears within the party. Simmonds revealed that during a recent visit to Parliament, he found the party’s MPs and president divided, prompting him to ask: Who should now lead the charge for unity?
In a thought-provoking analogy, Simmonds invoked the saying that Parliament is the ‘house of lions,’ but boldly asked who the real lion was—the one who had ‘bitten’ or attacked members like Mariameno Kapa-Kingi, Tākuta Ferris, and Oriini Kaipara. Here’s where opinions will clash: While Simmonds acknowledged that the party itself was responsible for these attacks, he also stressed that no single individual was to blame, instead calling for collective accountability. He directly challenged party president John Tamihere and co-leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, asking if they were the right figures to unite both the party and its people.
Simmonds expressed his strong belief in the co-leaders but noted the deep hurt felt by both the party and its supporters. He questioned the legitimacy of reducing the number of Te Pāti Māori MPs to four and disputed claims that the Tāmaki Makaurau electorate had supported this decision. Supporting the newest Te Pāti Māori MP, Simmonds revealed that she had never agreed to expel party members, despite her electorate voting in favor of the motion. He concluded by acknowledging Hana-Rawhiti Maipi Clarke, the youngest MP, for her leadership during these challenging times.
Simmonds emphasized that while Te Pāti Māori enjoys widespread support, many voters feel their voices are being ignored. He proposed a clear path forward: holding meetings across the country to directly engage with constituents. Echoing Kiingi Tuheitia’s calls for kotahitanga and mana motuhake, Simmonds urged the party to reconnect with its roots.
Co-leader Rawiri Waititi responded by acknowledging the pain felt by the Māori community, particularly regarding issues like the cost of living and homelessness. He agreed with Simmonds that unity is essential, stating that all members, not just the six MPs, must work together to move forward. Waititi called out the harmful practice of airing grievances on social media instead of addressing them face-to-face, labeling it a ‘double whammy’ when both the government and fellow Māori attack the party. His message was clear: the real enemy is the government, not each other.
Waititi concluded by urging supporters to stay strong and look to the future through collaboration. He ended his speech by honoring those who have passed away in various electorates. As the AGM drew to a close, party leadership was expected to address the media, leaving many to wonder: Can Te Pāti Māori heal its wounds and emerge stronger? What do you think? Is Simmonds right to challenge the leadership, or is he overstepping? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation that needs to happen.
