Just days after the general election, Willie Te Aho has announced his resignation as the Tāne Vice President of Te Pāti Māori.
Te Aho was appointed to the position in June this year and says his resignation was always planned, regardless of the election result.
In a social media post, Te Aho confirmed he had submitted his written resignation to party president John Tamihere and the Wāhine Vice President.
“I was always going to resign regardless of the result and had indicated that to the Te Pati Maori Executive when I agreed to my nomination by my Ikaroa Rawhiti Chair.”
Te Aho says he remains proud of the party’s achievements and continues to support Te Pāti Māori, but his other commitments must now take priority.
“My truth is that I am too busy. Now I have other important kaupapa to focus on from whanau to tangi to Poukai to Iwi Chairs.”
His departure comes as Te Pāti Māori looks set to retain five of the seven Māori electorates following Saturday’s general election, with special votes still to be counted.
Te Aho says he hopes Te Tai Tokerau candidate Aperahama Edwards will have secured his electorate seat by the end of the month, and has pledged his ongoing support for the party.
“I support TPM 100% and will stand up again if needed. I hope not!”