Te Pāti Māori Te Tai Tokerau MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi has some advice for the Government.
“They should come to listen. Don’t come to talk at us about us.”
This visit from the Government to Waitangi over the past few days is particularly moving for Kapa-Kingi, as she was born and raised in Te Tai Tokerau and has committed most of her life and mahi to the growth and prosperity of her rohe. She was elected to Parliament in 2023, beating out long-time Labour MP Kelvin Davis - who has since retired from politics.
Kapa-Kingi says the Prime Minister and his entourage were spoken to in a clear and gracious manner.
“But don’t mistake that grace for weakness.