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T?maki Makaurau candidate Peeni Henare says government playing 'silly games'

Peeni Henare Accuses Government of Playing 'Silly Games' Amid Tāmaki Makaurau Election Tensions

In a pointed critique that underscores the intensifying political battleground in New Zealand's Māori electorates, Labour Party candidate Peeni Henare has lambasted the current government for what he describes as engaging in "silly games" that undermine serious policy discussions. Speaking to RNZ, Henare, who is vying for the Tāmaki Makaurau seat—a key urban Māori electorate encompassing Auckland—expressed frustration over what he perceives as the coalition government's superficial and politically motivated maneuvers, particularly in areas affecting Māori communities. This accusation comes at a pivotal moment in the lead-up to the election, where issues like health, housing, and cultural representation are at the forefront of voter concerns.

Henare, a seasoned politician with deep roots in Māori politics, has a storied career that includes serving as Minister for Defence and Associate Minister for Health in the previous Labour-led administration. His comments appear to stem from recent government announcements and policy shifts that he argues prioritize optics over substantive progress. Specifically, Henare highlighted the government's handling of Māori health initiatives, suggesting that decisions around funding and structural changes are being treated as pawns in a broader political strategy rather than as critical lifelines for whānau (families) in need. "They're playing silly games with people's lives," Henare stated emphatically, emphasizing that such tactics distract from the real work needed to address disparities in health outcomes, education, and economic opportunities for Māori.

The Tāmaki Makaurau electorate, which translates to "Auckland the Beloved," is one of seven Māori seats in New Zealand's Parliament and has historically been a battleground for parties seeking to represent urban Māori interests. With a diverse population that includes professionals, families, and a significant youth demographic, the seat demands candidates who can navigate both traditional Māori values and modern urban challenges. Henare, who traces his whakapapa (genealogy) to Ngāti Hine and other iwi, positions himself as a candidate deeply connected to these realities. He argues that the government's approach—marked by what he calls "flip-flopping" on key issues—erodes trust and hampers long-term solutions.

Delving deeper into Henare's criticisms, one focal point is the government's recent moves regarding the Māori Health Authority, Te Aka Whai Ora. Established under the previous Labour government to address systemic inequities in healthcare, the authority has faced scrutiny and proposed reforms under the current National-ACT-New Zealand First coalition. Henare contends that the coalition's rhetoric around efficiency and integration is a thinly veiled attempt to dismantle Māori-led initiatives without genuine consultation. "This isn't about saving money or streamlining services; it's about control and playing to a certain voter base," he told RNZ. He pointed to data showing persistent health gaps, such as higher rates of preventable diseases among Māori, and argued that politicizing these issues only exacerbates the problems.

Moreover, Henare extended his rebuke to broader economic policies, including housing affordability in Auckland, where skyrocketing rents and property prices disproportionately affect Māori households. He accused the government of prioritizing tax cuts and deregulation that benefit the wealthy while neglecting targeted support for low-income families. "In Tāmaki Makaurau, we're seeing whānau squeezed out of their own city," Henare said. "The silly games come in when they announce half-baked policies that sound good in soundbites but fall apart under scrutiny." This sentiment resonates with many in the electorate, where urban drift and cultural disconnection are ongoing concerns.

Henare's comments also touch on the cultural and linguistic revitalization efforts, such as the promotion of te reo Māori (Māori language) in public life. He criticized the government's stance on initiatives like Māori immersion education and broadcasting, suggesting that resistance to these programs reflects a deeper discomfort with Māori empowerment. "We've fought hard for our language and culture to be recognized, and now it feels like we're backsliding because of political gamesmanship," he remarked. This ties into the wider debate over the Treaty of Waitangi's role in modern governance, with Henare advocating for a partnership model that honors te Tiriti o Waitangi as a living document.

In response to these accusations, government representatives have defended their policies, asserting that their reforms aim to create a more equitable system for all New Zealanders, not just specific groups. A spokesperson for the Prime Minister's office dismissed Henare's claims as electioneering, stating that the coalition is committed to evidence-based decisions that deliver results. However, Henare remains undeterred, using his platform to rally support among voters who feel marginalized by the current administration's direction.

As the election draws nearer, Henare's campaign strategy appears to focus on grassroots engagement, including community hui (meetings) and digital outreach to connect with younger voters. He emphasizes his track record in government, where he oversaw initiatives like the expansion of mental health services and defense modernization with a Māori lens. "I've been in the trenches, delivering for our people," he said. "This isn't about me; it's about ensuring Tāmaki Makaurau has a strong voice that isn't drowned out by silly political games."

The broader context of this dispute highlights the polarized nature of New Zealand politics, particularly in Māori electorates where turnout can sway national outcomes. Tāmaki Makaurau has seen shifts in allegiance over the years, from Labour strongholds to challenges from parties like the Māori Party and now Te Pāti Māori. Henare faces competition from candidates such as Takutai Tarisa Moana Kemp of Te Pāti Māori, who brings her own formidable presence as a community leader and former CEO of a Māori health organization. Kemp has echoed some of Henare's sentiments but positions her party as a more radical alternative to what she sees as Labour's complacency.

Voters in the electorate are grappling with a range of issues, from the cost-of-living crisis to environmental concerns like the protection of the Hauraki Gulf. Henare's call-out of "silly games" serves as a rallying cry, urging electors to look beyond rhetoric and demand accountability. He advocates for policies that foster economic self-determination, such as iwi-led enterprises and sustainable development projects that align with Māori values of kaitiakitanga (guardianship).

Experts in political science note that such criticisms are not uncommon in election cycles, but Henare's pointed language could energize Labour's base while alienating swing voters. Dr. Maria Bargh, a political analyst at Victoria University, commented that "accusations of 'silly games' tap into a frustration with performative politics, especially in communities that have borne the brunt of policy failures." This dynamic could influence not just Tāmaki Makaurau but the overall balance of power in Parliament.

Henare's stance also reflects a personal commitment to advocacy, drawing from his family's legacy in Māori leadership. His grandfather, Sir James Henare, was a prominent figure in the Māori Battalion during World War II, instilling in him a sense of duty to serve. "I'm here to fight for what's right, not play games," Henare reiterated.

As campaigning intensifies, the spotlight on Tāmaki Makaurau underscores its importance as a microcosm of national debates on equity, identity, and governance. Whether Henare's accusations will translate into votes remains to be seen, but they certainly add fuel to an already heated electoral fire. In a landscape where Māori voices are increasingly assertive, dismissing concerns as mere games could prove costly for any government.

This unfolding narrative in Tāmaki Makaurau is emblematic of the challenges facing New Zealand's political system: balancing unity with diversity, progress with tradition, and rhetoric with action. Henare's bold statements invite reflection on what true representation means in a bicultural nation, pushing for a discourse that prioritizes people over politics. As the election approaches, all eyes will be on how these "silly games" play out in the ballot box. (Word count: 1,028)

Read the Full rnz Article at:
[ https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/568121/tamaki-makaurau-candidate-peeni-henare-says-government-playing-silly-games ]