Four Māori candidates offer different paths to political power

PremiumOpinionOpinion byTāmati CoffeyRotorua Daily Post·31 Aug, 2026 04:00 PM5 mins to readWaiariki candidates take the stage at an organised debate at Waikite Rugby and Sports Club on Saturday night. Pictured (from left) are Tania Waikato (Green Party), Toni Boynton (Labour Party), Pāpā Wharewera (Opportunity Party) and Rawiri Waititi (Te Pāti Māori). Photo / Kelly MakihaAbout halfway through the Waiariki candidates’ debate on Saturday night, I realised something. It’s not enough to be Māori any more. And I reckon that’s progress.

I was watching the livestream from Waikite Rugby Club at home with my whānau. Mum and Dad were there, my partner Tim, and our

Four Māori candidates offer different paths to political power

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