Possible Hauraki-Waikato upset represents demographic change in Māori politics

ByMartyn Bradbury

Nanaia Mahuta in danger of losing electorate, poll shows

A Whakaata Māori poll has newcomer Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke within reach of unseating incumbent Nanaia Mahuta. The results, released during a live debate between the two candidates on Tuesday night, has Mahuta on 36% and Maipi-Clarke on 32%, with 14% undecided.

The poll revealed Maipi-Clarke in the lead as preferred candidate for those aged under 40 at 43% compared to Mahuta on 30%. But older voters are more likely to vote, and those aged 60+ still back Mahuta at 43% to 12% for Maipi-Clarke.

That is a remarkable result, what it indicates is this enormous Māori youth demographic is a legitimate political phenomena and it is determined to make its mark.

70% of Māori are under 40, that’s an enormous demographic bubble.

The question is can Tictok popularity guarantee the effort to vote?

Previous youth generations have promised but not engaged, but the new social media networks are creating unique community levers that generate action.

This election could herald a new youth engagement which has the power to generate real change.

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21 Comments

    2. glad to see south pacific morality still scares the fuck out of the “old world” stop 3 waters crowd – lol – utu is coming old man.

    1. Nah the way she deserves a peaceful retirement after nearly 3 decades in parliament and all the racist shit she’s delt with this term, watching the Hui debate the other night I sense there’s a kinship between her and Hana that if Hana wins it will be a respectful passing of the torch

  5. Classic asymmetrical engagement by Hamas. Israeli military would be gone by lunchtime if US Imperialism stopped supplying cash and weapons to the Apartheid state.

    Not a fan of the religious nature of Hamas or armed attacks…but what do people expect after 70 years of occupation, shooting kids kneecaps out for approaching a fence, poisoning water and crops, torture and illegal detention, assaulting and killing in Mosques. Seriously are Palestinians meant to cop this when most of the international community just looks the other way, and the US actively encourages the slaughter and inhumanity.

  6. I see the old and grumpy have turned up to comment on this post – which I take to be an endorsement for for Hana. This is not in the same class of reponse as the ram raid on her home but she’s clearly a rising star because she’s triggering all the right people.

  7. Good analysis. There’s an unfortunate, simplistic tendency to treat Māori as a political monolith.

  8. Mahuta is one of the few talented politicans Labor has left. If she is voted out the talent pool will be non existent

    1. I thought it was cool how she pissed off Israel supporters today by making the most inoffensive statement about the confict today lmao

      1. ka pai, e hoa. the old world order feels more threatened by the day. sucks to be them.

  9. Hana would be an incredible representive, right up there with Chloe in representing the asperations of Aotearoa’s youth, and Mahuta honestly deserves a comfortable retirement at this point after nearly 3 decades in parliament and all the racist BS she’s delt with this term…
    Greens 15% and Te Patin Maori 5 seat overhang or bust!
    If the left vote, the left win!

  11. If you would like to see some Maori input that is enthralling and even magical I have been watching ‘Boy” the film from Taika Waititi and team.
    It’s very sweet, and I am sure would be good for your health.
    https://www.nzfilm.co.nz/films/boy

    Just think what we could do in NZ/AO if we could get more of that impetus and ‘boyancy’.

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