Last month’s elections in New Zealand brought about significant change, signaling the rise of the country’s most conservative government in decades. While this rightward shift has attracted attention, it is equally notable that the incoming parliament will have the highest number of Māori members ever, with many belonging to the opposition.
Within this striking contrast, 21-year-old Māori MP-elect Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, set to become New Zealand’s youngest lawmaker in 170 years, has emerged as a prominent figure. However, her path to politics has not been without challenges. During the election season, her family home was vandalized by an individual who spewed hateful slurs. The National Party, which is expected to lead the coalition, plans to abolish the Māori Health Authority aimed at bridging the health gap between indigenous and non-indigenous populations. In addition, the right-wing ACT Party has proposed a referendum to reconsider the role of Māori people in policymaking.
Maipi-Clarke, who will represent the Māori Party in the new parliament, remains undeterred by these obstacles. Drawing from the resilience of her ancestors, she asserts that the Māori community has endured oppression in the past and will continue to advocate for itself and others. “We will always look after ourselves and everything surrounding us, so we will always look after others as well,” she affirms.
Characterized as a member of Generation Z, Maipi-Clarke possesses a remarkable track record for her young age. Apart from her political ambitions, she runs a community garden, actively engages with social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, and has authored a book on using the Māori calendar for physical and mental healing. While lacking legislative experience, politics runs in her family, with notable ancestors who were trailblazers in Māori representation within the Crown.
Despite facing tough competition from political veteran Nanaia Mahuta in her Hauraki-Waikato electorate, Maipi-Clarke wasn’t deterred. Instead, she focused her campaign on engaging those who weren’t traditionally involved in politics. Her goal was to ensure that the stories and needs of her generation were represented in government.
In a recent interview with TIME, Maipi-Clarke discussed her journey into politics, the increasing political activism within the Māori community, and her aspirations for the future. She emphasized the need for greater inclusivity in politics, especially for minority groups such as the LGBTQ community and Pacific peoples. Her legislative agenda encompasses indigenous ways of protecting the environment and addressing the disconnection of young people from their cultural roots, among other priorities.
Rooted in Māori knowledge and tradition, Maipi-Clarke believes that indigenous perspectives can offer solutions to the pressing issues of our time, such as the climate crisis and inclusivity. She highlights how mātauranga has always guided her approach and urges politicians to be more in touch with the realities faced by their constituents.
Looking ahead, Maipi-Clarke acknowledges the challenging landscape that lies ahead, particularly under the leadership of the National Party. However, she maintains that the Māori community has a strong spirit and determination that will endure, regardless of the political climate. She also expresses concern about the treatment of indigenous peoples across Oceania and the rising trend against their recognition and equitable rights.
Market Capital Research 