Te Pāti Māori details 2026 platform for constitutional reform and energy sovereignty

Te Pāti Māori president John Tamihere has outlined an ambitious 2026 election agenda that seeks to weave together constitutional reform, Treaty-based governance, and economic self-determination. In interviews with Radio Waatea on September 21 and September 28, 2026, as reported by Waatea News, Tamihere emphasized that political authority is inseparable from the everyday economic challenges facing whānau. The party confirmed it will contest all seven Māori electorates, with a campaign grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and mana motuhake. Central to this platform is granting Te Tiriti greater constitutional force through specific mechanisms, including the establishment of an independent Te Tiriti Commission and a move to make Waitangi Tribunal recommendations legally binding. A cornerstone of this proposal is the establishment of a $220 million Mātike Mai Fund over a four-year period, designed to facilitate Māori-led discussions regarding constitutional transformation across Aotearoa. Tamihere maintains that true mana motuhake requires Māori to have greater control over the resources and institutions that shape economic outcomes. This vision for sovereignty extends into the energy sector with a proposed $1 billion Energy Sovereignty Fund. The fund is intended to support Māori and community-owned energy assets, including investments in renewable generation, battery storage, and microgrids on Māori land. The goal is to transition whānau and hapū from consumers to producers by 2035. Beyond high-level reform, the party is advocating for stronger regulatory powers to address electricity prices and corporate profits alongside a national energy plan. Tamihere noted that the party is focused on practical outcomes for whānau, hapū, and iwi, particularly regarding housing, health, food security, and the rising cost of living. The challenge for the campaign lies in demonstrating how greater Māori control over decision-making can translate into tangible improvements for those facing immediate pressures such as power bills and healthcare access. As the party prepares for the 2026 General Election, Tamihere argued that these initiatives are essential for shifting how power is shared across Aotearoa. By linking constitutional change to economic ownership, Te Pāti Māori is presenting a pathway for Māori to secure long-term sustainability. Ultimately, Tamihere noted that the decision rests with Māori voters to determine the nature of their representation and the future of their economic sovereignty.