Te Pāti Māori Launches 2026 Election Campaign at Te Poho-o-Rāwiri Marae

Te Pāti Māori has officially commenced its 2026 election campaign, centering its efforts on the Tairāwhiti region at a launch event held at Te Poho-o-Rāwiri marae on Sunday, 16 August 2026. The event, situated within Ngāti Oneone hapū territory, marked a strategic milestone as party officials noted it was the first time an election campaign for any party had been launched in the region. The party has signaled its intention to secure a clean sweep of the seven Māori electorates, declaring it is "here to win" the Ikaroa-Rāwhiti seat, the only Māori seat the party failed to secure in the previous election. At the heart of the launch was Ikaroa-Rāwhiti candidate Haley Maxwell, a former teacher and local volunteer. As reported by the NZ Herald, Maxwell highlighted her deep personal connections to the Kaiti community, noting that Te Poho-o-Rāwiri has nurtured her whānau for generations. During her address, she emphasised that her campaign is built on a foundation of uplifting and engaging local rangatahi. Maxwell is scheduled to begin her campaign trail this week, traveling across the 600km electorate to engage with voters. Co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi addressed the gathering, outlining a strategy focused on increasing numbers on the Māori roll. Waititi stated that the party has "come here to win this seat," noting a high level of enthusiasm in the region despite the presence of former MPs standing as independent candidates. The seat is currently held by Labour MP Cushla Tangaere-Manuel. Party president John Tamihere was also in attendance alongside fellow candidates Oriini Kaipara, Lisa Marie Murch, and Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke. Tamihere spoke regarding the need for better resourcing for local services, specifically referencing Gisborne Hospital. The launch concluded with a community fundraiser featuring an art auction by local artists. With the campaign officially underway as of Monday, 17 August 2026, the party leadership remains optimistic about their momentum. The party's stance remains firm that they are prepared to contest and win the seat as part of their wider national effort to strengthen Māori representation in Parliament and secure all seven Māori seats.