Leigh-Marama McLachlan
Columnist
Columnist
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
Check out Leigh-Marama’s latest content
Leigh-Marama McLachlan: 'This lockdown has hit me like a train'
'There is a lot to process that is completely out of our hands... so be kind to yourself'.
Leigh-Marama McLachlan: Why moving home to Whanganui is the best decision I've made
"I often say the river called me home."
Comment: Support for mental health crises not good enough
"Most of us find it hard to even acknowledge anything about our mental health."
Leigh-Marama McLachlan: 'We refuse to let hate speech slide'
There will be consequences for hate speech, writes Leigh-Marama McLachlan.
Leigh-Marama McLachlan: Puanga celebrations good for the soul
Puanga or Matariki has always been a big part of Māori society from early on.
Comment: A passion for our people, our culture and our reo
It was in the house next door that the very first broadcast for Awa FM took place in 1991.
Comment: Why I will be getting the Covid-19 vaccine
"I get the impression the ministry was severely underprepared for this process."
Leigh-Marama McLachlan: Castlecliff's sense of community is contagious
Making new memories in an old Castlecliff home.
Leigh-Marama McLachlan: Small signs of progress 26 years on from Pākaitore
An important stand by local Māori took place in 1995 and it was not about just one issue.
Leigh-Marama McLachlan: What defiance over tie symbolises
Rawiri Waititi's defiance is an important and timely stand and is hugely symbolic.
Leigh-Marama McLachlan: Iwi checkpoints about protecting communities
'Stop moaning about iwi checkpoints and let Māori leadership help us through.'
Leigh-Marama McLachlan: Rātana without politicians a welcome break
It will be a different Rātana event at the end of the month with no politicians.
Leigh-Marama McLachlan: Christmas not the day it used to be for many Kiwis
Christmas is terrible for putting pressure on families to buy gifts and spend up large.
Leigh-Marama McLachlan: Comfort in the way we handle death as Māori
'I have found comfort in the way we handle death as Māori'.
Best of 2020: Leigh-Marama McLachlan: Good people smoke cannabis
Taking a punitive approach to cannabis does not work, writes Leigh-Marama McLachlan.
Leigh-Marama McLachlan: The major issues our newly elected MPs need to deliver on
Comment: The pressure is on for Labour to deliver real change over the next term.