During my maiden speech in 2013, I asked that I be judged on my actions and held accountable to those I represent.
I believe I have worked hard in the electorate and in Parliament over the past four years, advocating for my constituents on the issues that matter.
After one byelection and a general election, it's now time I put it to the electorate to judge whether I have done a good enough job to return.
Another reason I opted off the list is to create opportunities for others.
We currently have six fantastic Labour Maori candidates in Willie Jackson, Willow-Jean Prime, Tamati Coffey, Paul Eagle, Kiritapu Allan and Shanan Halbert.
Freeing up space on the list for these outstanding candidates combined with a strong push for the party vote boosts our chances of increased Maori representation in Parliament.
There is of course a strategic element.
Our opponents campaigning in the Maori seats would likely say that our list rankings mean we do not need to win our electorates to get into Parliament. This unified move from the Labour Maori MPs neutralises the "2 for 1" vote-splitting tactic before it even starts.
The 2014 election saw a huge swing back to Labour in the Maori seats with a majority Labour party vote in all Maori electorates. We will once again be campaigning hard for the party vote as we believe Labour has kept faith with Maori on issues of significance, whether it's access to housing, quality healthcare and education, or protecting our land owners' rights and precious whenua.
We know more will be achieved for Maori with Labour in government than the piecemeal approach to "concession politics" taken by the Maori Party. How can a party that consistently polls at less than 1 per cent really drive Maori aspirations forward?
The shaky Mana-Maori Party alliance is already fracturing, with Hone Harawira launching attacks on the Maori Party for supporting National's unpopular RMA reforms and pushing through the contentious Te Ture Whenua Maori Bill. It's clear that a vote for the Mana-Maori Party alliance is a vote to keep National in power. As Labour's Maori caucus we are backing ourselves and each other. I am grateful to have a party leader, president and colleagues who also back us and our decision.
Over the coming months we'll be running a campaign to continue building on the trust already shown by our voters. We also recognise that, no matter where your political loyalties lie, we must engage more of our people to get out and vote.
Labour will provide the strong, stable and responsible leadership Maori are asking for with our Maori caucus forming an integral part of a Labour-led government.
We have a plan to make progress for Maori on the problems we face in housing, health and education and we know that a change of government is required to achieve this.
Our opponents have had nine years to make real gains for Maori. They haven't.
Labour currently has two Maori MPs on the front bench, five overall in the shadow cabinet and the potential to have the most Maori MPs and ministers in any government to date.
We're committed to working together to show how Maori will be better served with a strong Labour Maori voice in cabinet.
¦Meka Whaitiri is the MP for Ikaroa-Rawhiti and will be seeking re-election as the Labour candidate in the upcoming general election.
¦Views expressed here are the writer's opinion and not the newspaper's. Email: editor@hbtoday.co.nz
