Te Pāti Māori has today announced its party list for the 2026 General Election, solidifying its commitment to an electorate-first strategy by naming just one list candidate outside of its seven Māori electorate contenders.
General Secretary Lance Norman was selected unanimously as the party’s sole additional list candidate. The party stated that the move is a deliberate effort to prioritise collective Māori representation rather than constructing a traditional, extensive party list.
Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader Rawiri Waititi framed the decision as a critical part of the party’s broader political goals.
“This list proves we are putting our money where our mouth is,” Rawiri said. “We made a deliberate decision to put collective Māori representation ahead of building a long party list. Our strategy is clear. We want more Māori in Parliament, a one-term Government, and an independent Māori voice that is accountable to our people”.
Co-Leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer emphasised that the decision aligns with the message the party has been sharing across the motu.
“We said this election is bigger than any one party. Our list reflects that commitment,” Ms. Ngarewa-Packer said. “We are backing our seven candidates to win the Māori electorates and standing by the strategy we announced to our people”.
As part of the announcement, the party reiterated its guidance for supporters: Candidate vote Te Pāti Māori, and Party vote Green or Labour.