The overarching goals of the hui are to help inform Māori PSA members about their voting options and help them motivate their whānau to get out and vote.
By the start of September, the PSA has successfully held three candidate pre-election hui on marae in Tāmaki Makaurau, Te Tai Tokerau and Waiariki, with more planned in September.
The first three hui
The Tāmaki Makaurau event held on Te Mahurehure Marae was a great success. It gave Māori candidates from four parties – Minister Peeni Henare (Labour), Darleen Tana Hoff-Nielsen (Greens) Hinurewa te Hau (National) and John Tamihere (standing in for Te Pati Māori) – a chance to present what they will be campaigning for in the 2023 election. Members also had the opportunity to ask questions relevant to Māori and Māori workers.
The event for Te Tai Tokerau at Terenga Paraoa Marae was attended by Minister Kelvin Davis (Labour), Hūhana Lyndon (Greens), Mariameno Kapa-Kingi (Te Pāti Māori), and Gavin Benney (New Zealand First).
The Waiariki hui was held on Te Papaiouru Marae and attracted Rawiri Waititi and Merepeka Raukawa-Tait
(Te Pāti Māori), Toni Boynton (Labour) and Charles Tiki Hunia (Vision New Zealand).
Reflections on the hui so far
At the hui held to date, the candidates explained the policies of their respective parties. There was also agreement from all the candidates that more needed to be done for Māori and the need to have more Māori supported to work in public and community services.
All candidates recognised the significant value that the PSA has brought to public services in Aotearoa.
The common themes of the hui were tino rangatiratanga and the obligation of the Crown to Māori under Te Tiriti, with the unanimous understanding that when Māori thrive, the country thrives. There was a very a special rapport between the candidates, and support and respect for each other, in standing on behalf of Māori.
View videos of the candidates kōrero:
