Key Takeaways
- Te Pāti Māori’s AGM was marked by challenges to the party’s leadership and a call for unity among members
- Former Kiingitanga spokesperson Ngira Simmonds questioned the leadership’s ability to unite the party and criticized the expulsion of certain members
- Co-leader Rawiri Waititi emphasized the need to focus on the government as the enemy, rather than infighting within the party
- The AGM was limited due to a high court ruling temporarily reinstating expelled member Mariameno Kapa-Kingi
- The party is facing internal turmoil and disunity, with calls for meetings to be held around the country to hear from constituents
Introduction to Te Pāti Māori’s AGM
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Te Pāti Māori, a Māori political party in New Zealand, was held in Rotorua, with approximately 200 people in attendance. The meeting was marked by challenges to the party’s leadership and a call for unity among members. Former Kiingitanga spokesperson Ngira Simmonds was one of the speakers who addressed the issue of disunity within the party, expressing his sadness and frustration at the turmoil that had taken place within the party.
Challenges to the Party’s Leadership
Simmonds questioned the leadership’s ability to unite the party, referencing the saying that Parliament was the house of lions, but asking who the real lion was. He criticized the expulsion of certain members, including Mariameno Kapa-Kingi and Tākuta Ferris, and asked if the current leaders were the right people to unite the party. Simmonds acknowledged that he was still a supporter of Te Pāti Māori, but emphasized that the party was hurting and that everyone was responsible for the current state of affairs.
Call for Unity and Focus on the Government
Co-leader Rawiri Waititi responded to Simmonds’ comments, acknowledging the pain and frustration felt by members and the need for unity. He emphasized that the focus should be on the government, rather than infighting within the party. Waititi called for members to stop taking their gripes to social media and to instead work together to address the issues facing the party and the community. He noted that the party was facing a "double whammy" – attacks from the government and from within the Māori community.
Limitations of the AGM
The AGM was limited due to a high court ruling temporarily reinstating expelled member Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. As a result, the meeting was restricted to receiving reports from the leadership and electorates, with no other matters being addressed or resolved. This limitation was seen as a challenge to the party’s ability to address the issues facing it and to move forward in a unified manner.
Conclusion and Future Directions
The AGM highlighted the need for unity and focus within Te Pāti Māori. The party is facing internal turmoil and disunity, with calls for meetings to be held around the country to hear from constituents. The leadership is expected to address the media and provide a way forward for the party. Ultimately, the success of Te Pāti Māori will depend on its ability to unite its members and focus on the issues facing the community, rather than being distracted by internal conflicts.
The Need for Meetings and Dialogue
Simmonds called for the party to hold meetings around the country to hear from its constituents and to work towards unity. This call was echoed by other speakers, who emphasized the need for dialogue and communication within the party. By holding meetings and engaging in open and honest dialogue, Te Pāti Māori can work towards addressing the issues facing it and moving forward in a unified manner.
The Role of Leadership
The leadership of Te Pāti Māori plays a crucial role in addressing the issues facing the party and in promoting unity among members. The co-leaders, Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, must work to provide a clear direction and vision for the party, and to promote a culture of openness and communication. By doing so, they can help to build trust and confidence among members and to move the party forward in a positive and unified manner.
The Importance of Unity
Unity is essential for the success of Te Pāti Māori. By working together and focusing on the issues facing the community, the party can achieve its goals and make a positive impact. The AGM highlighted the need for unity and the importance of putting aside internal conflicts and working towards a common goal. By doing so, Te Pāti Māori can build a stronger and more effective party, and promote the interests of the Māori community.
