AUCKLAND, New Zealand – Former television news presenter Oriini Kaipara is aiming for a seat in Parliament.
Parliamentary Aspirations
Kaipara seeks Te Pāti Māori’s nomination for the Tāmaki Makaurau by-election.
- Oriini Kaipara is seeking the Te Pāti Māori nomination.
- The Tāmaki Makaurau seat is open after the death of Takutai Tarsh Kemp.
- Te Pāti Māori will select its candidate this week.
- The by-election date is still to be announced.
The Māori electorate seat of Tāmaki Makaurau is up for grabs, and **who is Oriini Kaipara seeking to represent in Parliament?** Kaipara is seeking to represent the Te Pāti Māori party as their candidate.
The Tāmaki Makaurau seat became vacant following the death of MP Takutai Tarsh Kemp last month.
Kaipara, known for her recent role as a presenter, announced her bid on social media. While expressing her intentions, she acknowledged that the announcement doesn’t automatically secure her candidacy.
“Kua eke te wā. It’s time,” she shared in an Instagram post.
Selection Process Underway
Te Pāti Māori has initiated the selection process for its candidate. Expressions of interest concluded on Wednesday, with a selection hui scheduled for this Thursday.
The date for the by-election remains unannounced.
Potential candidates are expected to emerge, vying for Te Pāti Māori’s nomination.
Labour MP and former Tāmaki Makaurau seat holder Peeni Henare has not yet confirmed whether he will contest the seat for his party. Kemp narrowly defeated Henare after a recount in the last election.
Kaipara’s Background
Kaipara (Tūhoe, Ngāti Awa, Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Rangitihi) brings over two decades of broadcasting experience, including roles at Whakaata Māori and TVNZ. She garnered attention in 2019 as the first person with moko kauae to present a mainstream news bulletin.
Did you know? Moko kauae is a traditional Māori chin tattoo worn by women.
Kemp had been on dialysis as she battled kidney disease.
After leaving the media in 2023, she became the NZ Olympic Committee’s Pouwhiringa Māori culture lead and worked as a public speaker, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Potential Parliamentary Outcomes
If a Te Pāti Māori candidate wins the byelection, the party maintains its total of six seats.
However, if Henare—already a list MP—wins the seat for Labour, he becomes an electorate MP. Consequently, Labour could bring in Georgie Dansey from their list, increasing their seats from 34 to 35.
If another party wins, the overall number of MPs remains unchanged.
Regardless of the outcome, the number of MPs in Parliament remains at 123.
Quick fact: New Zealand’s Parliament uses a mixed-member proportional representation system.
FAQ
- Who is Oriini Kaipara?
- Oriini Kaipara is a former television news presenter seeking to enter Parliament.
- What seat is Kaipara running for?
- Kaipara is seeking the Te Pāti Māori nomination for the Tāmaki Makaurau seat.
- Why is the Tāmaki Makaurau seat vacant?
- The seat became vacant following the death of MP Takutai Tarsh Kemp.
