TĒNĀ KOE I NGĀ ĀHUATANGA O TE WA

Welcome to the Māori Party! Congratulations on choosing to become part of a kaupapa committed to providing a strong independent Māori voice in parliament with influence. Our independence sets us apart from others and we fiercely defend our right to exercise this voice on behalf of our people.

In May 2004 Tariana Turia ‘crossed the floor’ of Parliament, voting against Labour in their intention to introduce legislation which would extinguish Māori rights to test in court their claim to the foreshore and seabed.

“Kaupapa Māori is always at the forefront of our thinking, we have always said we will work with whoever is in government to ensure a strong independent Māori voice at the table. Our focus at present is on improving lives with priorities for whanau, whenua, whakapapa, whare and whaneketanga”

We’ve built solid foundations in these areas which give us the opportunity to create real change for our people. Over the years, the Māori Party have introduced new programmes such as home insulation for 28,000 low income whānau, 3,000 places for Māori and Pacific Trades Training and $65 million to fight rheumatic fever, and free doctors’ appointments for rangatahi under 13. In this year’s Budget (2016), the Māori Party gained a further $134.4m for whānau, housing, landowners, te reo and cultural wealth. A breakdown of these gains can be found on our website at www.maoriparty.org.nz

The Māori Party was born to achieve self-determination for whānau, hapū and iwi within their own land; to speak with a strong independent and united voice and to live according to kaupapa handed down by our ancestors, including;

Manaakitanga provides for building a nation based on mutually respectful relationships.

Rangatiratanga embodies the qualities of a rangatira – weaving the people

Whanaungatanga recognised in the power of the collective; interdependence with each other, understanding that people are our wealth.

Kotahitanga unity of purpose and direction; speaking in harmony.

Wairuatanga encourages our spiritual identity and connection with the land

Mana Whenua identifies Maori by the land occupied by right of ancestral claim. It defines the places where you belong; grounded to the land and home.

Kaitiakitanga fosters well-being for the individual, protection and care of the environment, and sustainable management and growth of the economy for the good of all.

Mana Tupuna/Whakapapa genealogical connection that traces lines of descent.

Te Reo Rangatira the cornerstone of all that is Māori. The Māori Party is committed to its retention and revitalisation.

We thank you for joining the Māori Party and hope that you will take an active role in helping us to build membership. Nau mai. Piki mai. Tū Māori mai!

Ngā mihi nui, thank you for your support.

Tū Māori Mai! That’s us!