Aperahama Edwards launches bid for Te Pāti Māori Te Tai Tokerau seat
Aperahama Edwards of Ngātiwai has announced his bid for the Te Pāti Māori candidacy in Te Tai Tokerau. Photo / NZME
Te Tai Tokerau leader Aperahama Edwards of Ngātiwai has announced his bid for the Te Pāti Māori candidacy in Te Tai Tokerau.
Edwards, a Māori rights activist, has worked extensively in kaupapa Māori advocacy, iwi and hapū development, te reo revitalisation, ocean conservation and strategic representation.
In a statement, he said his work has consistently focused on advancing the aspirations of Te Tai Tokerau whānau, hapū and iwi, and protecting Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the taiao [environment] and the wellbeing of future generations.
His announcement follows former Te Tai Tokerau MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi’s split from Te Pāti Māori and her launch of a new party.
Edwards said his campaign is grounded in kaupapa Māori, steady leadership, and a strong commitment to kotahitanga (unity), mana motuhake (independence) and tino rangatiratanga (self-determination).
It will focus on strengthening the voice of Te Tai Tokerau, protecting Māori rights, supporting whānau wellbeing and ensuring the region is represented with clarity, strength, and purpose, he said.
“Te Tai Tokerau deserves representation that is courageous, principled, and grounded in the people.
“I am putting my name forward because our people need a voice that will stand firm for Te Tiriti, stay focused on the kaupapa that matter to Tai Tokerau and provide stable, disciplined leadership for the future we leave to our mokopuna and generations to come.”
Kapa-Kingi, who won her seat for Te Pāti Māori in 2023, formally launched Te Tai Tokerau Party at a press conference in Whangārei on May 12.
It followed her expulsion from the party last year, which she successfully challenged in court.
She said her new party was grounded in Te Tai Tokerau but carried a national kaupapa (purpose).
Former Māori Party MP Hone Harawira has also been touted as a potential contender for the candidacy but is yet to confirm.
Northland-based Green MP Hūhana Lyndon has confirmed she will stand again in the Te Tai Tokerau seat.
Labour’s Northland-based list MP Willow-Jean Prime will also stand in the Te Tai Tokerau Māori seat this year.
Edwards said further campaign announcements and community engagement details would be shared “in due course”.
Jenny Ling is a senior journalist at the Northern Advocate. She has a special interest in covering human interest stories, along with finance, roading, and social issues.