Mariameno Kapa-Kingi, the MP for the Te Tai Tokerau electorate, has announced the formation of a new political party, Te Tai Tokerau Party, after breaking away from Te Pāti Māori. She stated that close to 200 people have signed up as financial backers within 24 hours of its launch on May 11, 2026.
The split from Te Pāti Māori follows internal disagreements, though specific details remain unconfirmed. Kapa-Kingi emphasized that the new party aims to focus on regional issues affecting Northland, including economic development and Māori representation.
As of May 12, 2026, no official statement from Te Pāti Māori regarding the split has been released. The new party's launch has generated significant interest, with Kapa-Kingi citing strong grassroots support.
