Summarised by Centrist
Te Pāti Māori president John Tamihere has accused two of his own MPs of “greed, avarice and entitlement” and suggested they resign.
In a social media post titled Anatomy of Madness, Tamihere named Te Tai Tokerau MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi and Te Tai Tonga MP Tākuta Ferris, alleging the pair plotted to unseat co-leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.
He said their conduct lacked “mana, integrity and honesty,” likening it unfavourably to Hone Harawira’s 2011 breakaway from the Māori Party.
Kapa-Kingi rejected any suggestion of standing down, saying, “Only the people can take me out.” Ferris has not responded publicly.
Tamihere claimed Kapa-Kingi had approached iwi leaders seeking support for a leadership challenge. He said he called Kapa-Kingi, telling her “if there was a case for change of leadership there had to be some reason or some cause.” He said Kapa-Kingi “was unable to do so.”
He also accused her and her son, Eru Kapa-Kingi, of coordinating a “media attack” and “a white feeding frenzy” on the party.
“The adverse impact of the Kapa-Kingi entitlement can only be explained by their desire to take over leadership of the party,” Tamihere wrote.
A petition from Te Tai Tonga electorate members is now calling for Tamihere’s own resignation, accusing him of acting without “aroha, pono and tika” (love, truth and justice). It had drawn 50 signatures by Monday morning.
Waititi has since confirmed Tamihere’s claims were “absolutely true” and that expulsion of the two MPs is being considered. Waititi blamed “allegations and two rogue MPs” for the party’s turmoil, saying a formal process is under way through Te Pāti Māori’s national council.
