Why Kingi Kiriona is running for Hauraki-Waikato

Something for the People · Sep 10, 2026 · 24m

We sat down with Kingi Kiriona, Labour’s candidate for Hauraki-Waikato, as he takes on the challenge of reclaiming a Māori seat currently held by Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke.

With Labour looking to make gains across the Māori electorates and Te Pāti Māori fighting to hold its ground, this election could have big implications for the future of Māori representation in Parliament.

So, why is Kingi putting his hand up? What does he want to change? And where does he see himself (and Māori politics) in the bigger picture?

Chey Milne, Kereama Wright and Hinurewa Poutu ask about how the race is going…