Waatea News Column: Labour launch Māori campaign & Māori Electorates to watch

The Labour Party Māori Caucus have come out swinging this election with no extra Māori specific policy.

Now is the time to fight says Willie Jackson, and he’s right.

So much of the progress of the last 6 years, as tiny as those steps were, are at risk if a National/ACT Government win in October.

The political right have whipped up dog whistles and have blatantly attempted to paint co-governance out as as ‘apartheid’ and an angry ignorant electorate have jumped along for the ride.

ACT intend to call for a referendum to redefine the Treaty of Waitangi and then simply force it upon Māoridom with nothing more than a 51% majority, the political backlash that will generate and the forthcoming Hikoi to Wellington will be raw with treason!

The Labour Party Māori Caucus have called on voters to protect what they have gained, and let’s be clear, the Labour Party Māori Caucus have gained almost $4Billion in extra finding for Māori over the last 6 years which that is an incredible achievement!

The Māori electorates will be a fascinating duelling match between the Māori Party and Labour.

Te Tai Tokerau – I think Kelvin will retain this seat

Tāmaki Makaurau – Labour’s Peeni Henare vs Te Pāti Māori’s Takutai Moana Natasha Kemp will be a fascinating battle.

Hauraki Waikato – Labour’s Nanaia Mahuta vs Te Pāti Māori’s Hana Maipi-Clarke, who at 20 years of age could become the youngest ever MP. This will be a battle of generational change.

Waiariki – Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi should win.

Te Tai Hauāuru – This is one to watch, with Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer vs Soraya Peke-Mason will be another fascinating contest.

Ikaroa Rāwhiti – Meka Whaitiri’s shock defection from Labour to Te Pāti Māori this year is still reverberating around the country. Cushla Tangaere-Manuel is running for Labour and most call it too close to call.

Te Tai Tonga – Labour’s Rino Tirikatene should win.

I think you will see a much larger Māori Party vote this election and that the Māori vote will be essential if Labour has any chance of returning to Government.

There is a chance of an MMP Overhang if the Māori Party get more electorate seats than Party vote.

 

First published on Waatea News.