Summarised by Centrist
New political movements and candidate reshuffles are adding further uncertainty to the Māori electorates ahead of the 2026 election, with signs of fragmentation emerging around Te Pāti Māori’s support base.
Radio Waatea reports a new political party linked to former NZ First MP Tukoroirangi Morgan is currently being formed. Rumours suggest the movement hopes to attract support from Hauraki-Waikato MP Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke.
Waatea said it had reviewed membership forms linked to the proposed party and confirmed a related website domain had recently been registered. It remains unclear what formal role Morgan may play in the organisation or whether direct discussions have occurred with Maipi-Clarke.
The development comes amid wider instability within Māori politics following the split between Te Pāti Māori and former Te Tai Tokerau MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi, who recently announced plans to establish her own Te Tai Tokerau Party after a prolonged dispute with the party leadership.
At the same time, veteran Māori politician Hone Harawira has ruled out a return to Parliament after earlier signalling he was considering contesting Te Tai Tokerau for Te Pāti Māori.
Harawira instead endorsed candidate Aperahama Edwards, describing him as a strong representative for Te Tiriti-based politics and kaupapa Māori advocacy.
Edwards joins a crowded field that already includes Labour’s Willow-Jean Prime and the Greens’ Hūhana Lyndon.
The developments point to an increasingly fluid contest across the Māori electorates as parties and personalities position themselves ahead of Election 2026.
Read more over at Waatea News and 1News
