Te Pāti Māori
A clear guide to Te Pāti Māori, the Māori Party: its history, its focus on Māori rights and self-determination, and where it stands on the economy and social justice.
Overview
- Country
- New Zealand
- Founded
- 2004
- Position
- Left-wing, Indigenous rights
- Leader
- Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer
- Headquarters
- New Zealand
Te Pāti Māori, also known as the Māori Party, is a party dedicated to advancing the rights, self-determination, and wellbeing of Māori, the Indigenous people of New Zealand. It stands on the left of the political spectrum and is led by co-leaders. It contests and holds several of the dedicated Māori electorate seats.
The party centres its politics on tino rangatiratanga, the principle of Māori self-determination, and on honouring the Treaty of Waitangi, the founding agreement between Māori and the Crown.
History
The party was founded in 2004 after a dispute over foreshore and seabed legislation that many Māori felt disregarded their rights. It entered Parliament in 2005 and at times supported National-led governments while pursuing gains for Māori.
After a period out of Parliament, the party returned in 2020 and grew its representation in the Māori electorates, becoming a prominent and often outspoken voice on Māori rights, particularly in debates over the place of the Treaty of Waitangi in law and policy.
Economic Policy
Te Pāti Māori supports an economy that addresses inequality and delivers for Māori communities. It backs redistribution, investment in housing, health, and education for Māori, and economic development rooted in Māori enterprise and values. It generally favours a strong government role in reducing poverty and disadvantage.
Foreign Policy
As a party focused on Māori and domestic questions, Te Pāti Māori has a limited foreign policy platform, but it emphasises Indigenous solidarity internationally, human rights, and an independent foreign policy consistent with its values.
Where They Stand
- Centres Māori rights and self-determination
- Champions the Treaty of Waitangi and the Māori language
- Supports redistribution and investment in Māori communities
- Backs strong action to reduce poverty and inequality
- Holds a progressive position on social questions
- Contests and holds the dedicated Māori electorate seats
Electoral Record
The party first entered Parliament in 2005, left in 2017, and returned in 2020, since building its presence in the Māori electorate seats. Its influence rests on its strong voice for Māori rights and its potential role in close parliaments.
Position on the Political Compass
Te Pāti Māori sits on the left-leaning side on economics and is moderate on questions of social freedom and authority.
These positions are approximate and meant as a guide. Take the test to see how your own views compare.
Key Figures
Tariana Turia
Founding co-leader
Left the Labour Party over foreshore and seabed legislation to help found the Māori Party in 2004, becoming a defining voice for Māori self-determination.
Rawiri Waititi
Co-leader
A prominent co-leader known for his outspoken advocacy of Māori rights and self-determination in Parliament and public debate.
Sources and Further Reading
- Te Pāti Māori (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
- Official party websitemaoriparty.org
- 2026 New Zealand general election (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
Where do you stand?
Take the CoreOpinion New Zealand political test to see how your views compare with Te Pāti Māori and the other parties.
Take the New Zealand Test
Social Policy
The party is progressive and centres Māori rights and culture. It champions the Treaty of Waitangi, the Māori language, and self-determination, alongside broadly progressive positions on social questions. It has been a leading voice against policies it sees as undermining Māori rights.