New Zealand’s political scene witnessed a historic moment as 21-year-old Māori MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke delivered a powerful maiden speech. Being the youngest lawmaker in 170 years, she surprised the parliament by performing a haka, showcasing the strength of her heritage.
During her speech, Maipi-Clarke critiqued the government’s stance on te reo Māori, cleverly referencing the renaming of the national transport provider. Her words sparked laughter and resonated with proud party members.
Expressing her unexpected journey into politics, Maipi-Clarke declared, “At 21 years old, I can definitely say this was not the plan.” She highlighted her initial contentment with growing kūmara and learning maramataka but felt compelled to step into politics due to the interference with important matters.
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Despite her limited legislative experience, Maipi-Clarke passionately addressed the impact of government decisions on crucial aspects like health, natural resources, Māori wards, and language rights, drawing from her personal experiences within the first 14 days in office.
Beyond her legislative duties, the young lawmaker actively manages a community garden and maintains a vibrant presence on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. She has even authored a book focusing on the utilization of the Māori calendar for physical and mental well-being.
Facing skepticism during her election in the Hauraki-Waikato electorate, a seat already held by Māori political veteran Nanaia Mahuta, Maipi-Clarke stood tall. Mahuta, known as New Zealand’s Mother of Parliament, served as the country’s first female Māori foreign minister in the recent Labor Party cabinet.
As New Zealand undergoes a political shift marked by the promise of the most conservative government in decades, the increased presence of Māori members in the opposition signals a notable change in the political landscape.
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