Colin Ambler/cvnznews.com
Te Tai Tonga MP Tākuta Ferris has confirmed he will stand again in the Māori electorate — this time as an independent candidate — marking a significant shift in one of the country’s largest and most diverse Māori seats.
Ferris, who was removed from Te Pāti Māori in 2025 alongside Mariameno Kapa‑Kingi after internal conflict and a public breakdown in relations with party leadership, announced his return to the campaign trail in a video released on Sunday. He said the past 10 months outside party politics had “tested us”, but also revealed the strength of those who continued to support him.
“Through turbulent waters, it has been our values that have been the compass in this pursuit,” Ferris said.
He told supporters that standing as an independent would allow Te Tai Tonga to “take the voice of the people directly into Parliament”, free from party constraints. “A voice uncompromised by party politics, accountable only to the people of Te Tai Tonga,” he said.
Ferris emphasised that independence did not mean isolation. “It means being free to stand with our people. Our aspirations require Te Tai Tonga solutions, underpinned by strong kaupapa.”
He outlined three kaupapa that will anchor his campaign: Te Tiriti, Te Tangata, and Te Taiao — protecting and enhancing He Whakaputanga and Te Tiriti in decision‑making, developing Māori potential, and safeguarding the environment.
Ferris said Te Tai Tonga’s collective strength was “a numerical inevitability”, urging voters to recognise the opportunity to send an independent mandate to Parliament. “This campaign is not mine alone. It doesn’t belong to a party. It belongs to the people of Te Tai Tonga.”
Ferris won the seat in 2023 with 12,828 votes, defeating Labour’s Rino Tirikatene by more than 2000 votes. His independent bid sets up a closely watched contest in a seat that has historically swung between Labour and Māori political movements.
