New Maori Party branches in Wairarapa

List MP and Maori Party co-leader Marama Fox confirmed the establishment of the Hiona branch of the party in Masterton and the Wairarapa Moana branch in South Wairarapa. FILE PHOTO

The revival of the Maori Party in Wairarapa has led to the setting up of two new branches, with a third or even a fourth in the wind.

List MP and party co-leader Marama Fox, who lives in Masterton, confirmed this week that the Hiona branch had been set up, under the chairmanship of Toi Walker, who has returned to live in Wairarapa and whose wife Sissy formerly stood for the party in Wairarapa.

In South Wairarapa, the Wairarapa Moana branch has been formed, with its focus being on the lower valley and Lake Wairarapa.

Chairman of the Wairarapa Moana branch is Luke Tipoki.

Ms Fox, who entered Parliament on the list last election, said the two branches came as a result of renewed interest in the party and a desire by supporters to become more involved in political issues.

She said her presence in Parliament as their representative was likely to have helped with the party's revival in Wairarapa.

The Hiona branch had gatheredso much support it was probable it would need to split off and create yet another branch, and a branch at Papawai was likely as interest built there, she said.

"There are about 20 people at Papawai interested in setting up a branch," Ms Fox said.

Both the Hiona and Wairarapa Moana branches have a youth issues representative, which in terms of the party can involve a person up to 30 years of age.

The Hiona youth rep is Duncan Wiremu and the Wairarapa Moana rep Reuben Tipoki.