Tāmaki Makaurau Byelection: Labour’s Peeni Henare Defends Bid Amid Te Pāti Māori Criticism

Labour MP Peeni Henare is pushing back against claims from Te Pāti Māori that his candidacy in the Tāmaki Makaurau byelection is 'greedy' and threatens Māori representation in Parliament.

Henare, a former MP for the Tāmaki Makaurau electorate, dismissed the criticism as unfounded and highlighted his long-standing commitment to the region. He pointed out that Te Pāti Māori president John Tamihere had previously failed to win the seat in 2005 and 2020, suggesting it was 'a bit rich' for him to question Henare’s motives.

The byelection, triggered by the sudden death of Tāmaki Makaurau MP Takutai Moana Natasha Kemp, has become a key battleground for both Labour and Te Pāti Māori. Kemp narrowly defeated Henare in the 2023 general election, and Labour requested a recount that slightly increased her lead to 42 votes.

Te Pāti Māori has fielded former broadcaster Oriini Kaipara as its candidate, and Kiri Tamihere-Waititi, wife of co-leader Rawiri Waititi, has been vocal on social media, calling a vote for Henare a 'wasted' one and accusing Labour of being 'greedy.'

Henare, however, said every seat in Parliament is a contested one and that he owes it to his voters to ensure their voices are heard. He emphasized that if he wins, Labour’s Georgie Dansey, a wahine Māori, would enter Parliament, reinforcing the party’s commitment to Māori representation.

Despite the tensions, Henare said he would run a respectful campaign and focus on innovative strategies, including a stronger social media presence. He acknowledged that Te Pāti Māori has a strong online operation but said Labour is ready to compete.

Labour’s Māori caucus chair, Willie Jackson, described the contest as a '50-50 election' and said Labour would not back down from a fight. He reiterated that no backroom deals had been made with the Green Party, which has chosen not to contest the byelection.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has set the date for the byelection, which will take place on September 6. Labour leader Chris Hipkins confirmed that Henare will remain in his parliamentary duties and will not be given leave to campaign full-time in Auckland.

While the race is shaping up to be a close contest, both parties are positioning themselves for a strong campaign. Henare’s experience and Labour’s ground game are seen as key assets, while Te Pāti Māori’s focus on Māori representation and grassroots support could prove decisive.