Tāmaki Makaurau candidates Henare, Kaipara push for votes at flea markets

Labour's Peeni Henare out for the final weekend working the markets before the Tāmaki Makaurau byelection.

The two leading Tāmaki Makaurau candidates in next week’s byelection – Labour’s Peeni Henare and Te Pati Māori Oriini Kaipara – hit the flea markets this morning to seek every last vote and every last Māori voter.

With six days left until a new Tāmaki Makaurau MP will be named, the Labour machine backing Henare and Kaipara’s flag-waving Māori party support teams were in full cry – even in the rain.

The Te Pāti Māori team supporting candidate Oriini Kaipara.

Henare told the Herald the byelection had refocused him on what really matters for Māori and for New Zealanders, and whānau at the Avondale and Manurewa flea markets don’t mince their words.

“It’s been great meeting the whānau at Avondale and Manurewa markets on the campaign trail,” Henare said.

“I have been focused on a positive campaign based on what matters to our whanau here in Tāmaki Makaurau. That is, better jobs, affordable housing and relief from the cost of living.”

The byelection follows the untimely death of Te Pāti Māori MP Takutai Moana Kemp, who died in June after suffering from kidney disease. Kemp had been on the kidney transplant wait list.

Labour deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni (right) at the Avondale Markets this morning.

Henare was the Tāmaki Makaurau MP from 2014-2023 before he lost the seat by 42 votes to Kemp.

He is determined to win back the seat for Labour.

“I have delivered before, and I can do it again,” Henare said.

“Whānau on the campaign have been telling me that they often have to choose between kai and going to the doctor, which can take weeks before they can get an appointment.

“That’s not good enough.”

Kaipara and her team also hit the markets this morning.

Oriini Kaipara and some of her support team at the markets this morning.

On TVNZ’s Q&A this morning, Kaipara said she has experienced a real sense of pride by going back to her Hoani Waititi Kura as a Te Pāti Māori candidate.

“I’m the third that’s trying,” Kaipara said, following in the footsteps of Māori Party co-founder and Hoani Waititi Marae stalwart Sir Pita Sharples and Reverend Te Hira Paenga, who stood in in 2014.

Te Pāti Māori president John Tamihere was also at the markets supporting Kaipara and the team.

He said every vote mattered and urged all Māori who were on the Tāmaki Makaurau roll to vote.

Voting booths are open across Tāmaki Makaurau until Saturday 7pm.