75 Iwi representatives met at Hopuhopu today where a strategy to increase Māori participation in the 2026 General Election was confirmed.
“Meeting with Te Pati Maori to help resolve internal challenges on a tikanga basis is a priority for ngā iwi katoa” said Bayden Barber, the spokesperson for the National Iwi Chairs Forum.
The National Iwi Chairs Forum considers it necessary to focus political attention on the aspirations of whānau, hapū and iwi as opposed to other political issues that in our viewdistract from that purpose.
A request to meet with Te Pati Maori has been sent to the President, Co leaders, Tai Tokerau and Te Tai Tonga. Te Atiawa, one of the tangata whenua of the Parliament grounds, has offered to host the hui at one of its marae.
The hui is likely to take place after Te Taitokerau have met with Te Pāti Māori.