Aotearoa nurse in Australia maintains strong ties to Māori political landscape

A New Zealand nurse practitioner currently living in Australia is highlighting the enduring connection many expatriates maintain with the political future of Aotearoa. As part of a 'State of the Nation' series published by 1News on 8 August 2026, the health professional shared how her values and Māori heritage continue to shape her engagement with home, even after 14 years across the Tasman. Now 39 years old and living in a large Australian city, the nurse told 1News reporter Emily Simpson that she remains enrolled on the Māori roll. Despite the economic benefits of her move in 2012, she expressed that Australia does not quite feel like home compared to Aotearoa, where most of her family still resides. Her political interest is often piqued by her whānau conversations and social media updates from inspirational leaders like Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul. Reflecting on her voting history, she noted a preference for parties that align with her views on treaty partnership and indigenous representation. In the 2023 election, she cast her party vote for Labour, citing a positive impression from leader Chris Hipkins during an interview with Moana Maniapoto regarding the treaty partnership. She described her voting habits as a swing between the Labour Party, Te Pāti Māori, and the Green Party, often choosing a party vote for one while supporting a specific candidate whose values she respects. With the next election scheduled for this November, the nurse practitioner is among the many New Zealanders abroad who intend to exercise their democratic right. Her perspective underscores the importance of the Māori roll and the role of treaty-based policies in maintaining a sense of belonging and responsibility for those living in the diaspora.