Party leaders met NZ’s most influential iwi figures: Te Pāti Māori tanked and Luxon didn’t show – Kiri Allan

New Zealand's most influential iwi leaders convened in Queenstown, hosted by the Ngāi Tahu iwi, for a significant meeting with top political figures. Among those present were Labour leader Chris Hipkins, Te Pāti Māori president John Tamihere, and NZ First leader Winston Peters. Notably, National's deputy leader Nicola Willis also attended.

The gathering, held in Tāhuna (Queenstown), was marked by a resolute mood among the senior iwi leaders. Their sentiment was starkly critical of the current government's relationship with Māori, with many describing it as the worst they had experienced in living memory. This strong condemnation set a clear tone for the discussions.

A key outcome of the meeting was the clear agreement among the iwi leaders that a change in the government's approach is necessary. The dissatisfaction expressed indicates a strong desire for a different direction in how the government engages with and governs for Māori communities. The meeting underscored the significant concerns held by iwi leadership regarding the current administration's policies and relationship management.

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Senior iwi leaders called this the worst Government in living memory for its relationship with Māori, and there was clear agreement that the campaign to change it