Maiki Sherman joins Whakaata Māori for comprehensive Whakatau 2026 election coverage

Whakaata Māori has announced that award-winning journalist Maiki Sherman will return to the broadcaster to co-moderate seven live debates ahead of the general election on November 7. Sherman, who was recently named New Zealand’s political journalist of the year, will lead the coverage alongside seasoned broadcaster Julian Wilcox as part of the Whakatau 2026 election series. The debates, which launch on September 29, will be broadcast live from regional venues across all seven Māori electorates. According to a statement from Whakaata Māori, the series is a collaboration with The Hui and will utilize independent polling and electorate-specific research to focus on the priorities of local communities. The broadcaster described Sherman’s new role as a return to her "broadcasting roots" following her recent tenure as political editor for TVNZ. Whakaata Māori content and audience engagement director Maria Barlow stated that the Whakatau 2026 coverage reflects the organization’s responsibility to ensure Māori voices and aspirations remain central to the national political conversation. The initiative aims to provide whānau with direct access to candidates to help them make informed decisions about the future. In addition to Sherman and Wilcox, the Whakatau 2026 team features a lineup of experienced Māori broadcasters, including Moana Maniapoto, Māni Dunlop, and Whatitiri Te Wake. These journalists will contribute across the wider coverage and participate in a live election special on November 7. Sherman noted at a recent awards ceremony that she remains committed to robust, fearless journalism that holds politicians to account across the spectrum.