Who is New Zealand MP Hana-Rawhiti Kareariki Maipi-Clarke, biography, age, parents, mother, husband, education

Who is New Zealand MP Hana-Rawhiti Kareariki Maipi-Clarke, biography, age, parents, mother, husband, education

Hana-Rawhiti Kareariki Maipi-Clarke emerged as a New Zealand political figure, serving as a Member of Parliament for Te Pāti Māori following the 2023 general election, have a look at her parents, husband and education

The political journey of Hana-Rawhiti Kareariki Maipi-Clarke is marked by several notable events, including her impactful Te Wiki o te Reo Māori speech in September 2022, the alleged politically motivated home invasions during the 2023 campaign, and her victory over incumbent Nanaia Mahuta with a margin of 2,911 votes.

Who is New Zealand MP Hana-Rawhiti Kareariki Maipi-Clarke, biography, age, family, parents, mother, husband, education

Maipi-Clarke spoke passionately on Tuesday about the rights of New Zealand’s indigenous tribes, and her speech went viral online.

In her speech, Maipi-Clarke urged the young Maori people to value their cultural identity and language. She mentioned, ‘Never fit in, Maipi-Clarke declared in her first address. You are flawless. You suit the bill perfectly. ‘

She also pledged to her supporters that she “will also live” for them in addition to “will die” for them.

21-year-old Hana-Rawhiti Kareariki Maipi-Clarke was born in 2002. Maipi-Clarke received her education at Te Wharekura o Rākaumangamanga in Huntly and aged 17, she published a book Maahina about maramataka – the Māori lunar calendar as she was inspired by Rangi Mātāmua to research the topic when he lectured about Matariki.

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The 21-year-old is from Huntly, a small town between Auckland and Hamilton and is New Zealand’s youngest MP.

Hana-Rawhiti Kareariki Maipi-Clarke holds the distinction of being the youngest MP since James Stuart-Wortley, elected at the age of 20 years and 7 months during the 1853 election. With ancestral ties to Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou, Te Āti Awa, and Ngāi Tahu, she hails from a family deeply rooted in Māori culture.

Her father, Potaka Maipi, a prominent broadcaster, and her grandfather, Taitimu Maipi, known for activism leading to the removal of the Captain Hamilton statue in 2020, have significantly influenced her upbringing.

She is also the grand-niece of Māori language activist Hana Te Hemara. The name of her mother isn’t known though. She is unmarried and single.

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Maipi-Clarke’s political journey gained momentum during Te Wiki o te Reo Māori in September 2022 when she delivered a compelling speech on the steps of Parliament House. Following this, multiple political parties approached her, recognizing her potential.

Eventually joining Te Pāti Māori, she became their candidate for the Hauraki-Waikato electorate in the 2023 general election. Despite facing alleged politically motivated home invasions during the campaign, she secured victory with a margin of 2,911 votes, unseating incumbent Nanaia Mahuta.

Assuming office on 14 October 2023, Maipi-Clarke has brought a youthful perspective to New Zealand’s political landscape. Her unique background and fresh approach have set her apart in a political arena often characterized by tradition.

In her maiden speech in December 2023, Maipi-Clarke didn’t shy away from expressing her disagreement with the National-led coalition government. She criticized their stance on key issues such as health, the environment, water, land, natural resources, and children. This vocal stance showcases her commitment to advocating for the well-being of her constituents and addressing critical matters affecting New Zealand.

Her advocacy extends beyond policy critiques. Maipi-Clarke has been a strong supporter of lowering the voting age to 16. Inspired by the landmark 2022 Supreme Court decision in Make It 16 Incorporated v Attorney-General, she endorsed legislation introduced by the Sixth Labour Government in August 2023 to lower the voting age for local elections.

Maipi-Clarke’s support for lowering the voting age aligns with her dedication to fostering youth engagement in the democratic process. Following the Supreme Court decision, she actively endorsed the proposed legislation, viewing it as a means to empower and include younger voices in local decision-making.

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In a disturbing incident on September 29, 2023, Te Pāti Māori candidate Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke’s residence fell victim to a politically motivated invasion and vandalism.

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