Maori Party invigorated with hope for its future

The Maori Party AGM over the weekend was a wonderful opportunity for rejuvenating our party and reaffirming why the Maori Party came into Parliament.

Over 300 attended to celebrate our kaupapa and to thank and farewell outgoing president Pem Bird and Dr Pita Sharples who stepped down as co-leader. It was a great occasion to honour Pem and Pita for their absolute commitment to our kaupapa and for continuing to steer us through tough times when the stormy seas and adverse conditions often rocked our waka.

It has not been easy for any of us to lead a Maori political party that is also a minority voice in Parliament. It is very much a battlefield at times as we strive to ensure that we do whatever we can to advocate for our people often under scrutiny by those opposing the goals and aspirations of our whanau. We are often pulled in various directions as work, iwi and whanau commitments compete for our time. But we continue to remain in Parliament because the future of our people depends on it. Our AGM this year was light-hearted and good-humoured - everyone seemed to be in particularly high spirits - with new leadership and a new determination to succeed in the 2014 elections.

There was an invigoration amongst the crowd that attended. There were many new faces including many young people. It signalled the start of something new for our people. We had a number of rangatahi attend our AGM this year calling for a party that is clear about our kaupapa and tikanga. Their participation coincides with Youth Parliament in Wellington where our rangatahi are given a taste of what it might be like to be an MP for a week. The fresh ideas, the enthusiasm and energy they exude in their temporary roles bides well for the future as we look to them and their peers to be "our rangatira mo apopo".

It was an emotional time at our AGM, especially for Te Ururoa Flavell, who was elected unopposed as the new co-leader tane. There was much humour as speeches were delivered and as we contemplated our past nine years in Parliament. Dr Sharples and I have co-led the party since its inception. The task has not always been easy. Together we have led the party through nine AGMs, three general elections and two byelections. Last weekend the generosity of spirit and aroha could be felt amongst us all - for those stepping down and for those stepping up.

We know there are some serious issues for us to address as we head into Election 2014. We also know better than to allow undue pressure from all quarters force us hastily into relationships with other parties that are neither respectful nor mana-enhancing.

Pita reminded us all of the importance of remaining a united front in everything we do. Pem reinforced our determination to remain a viable political party for the future. Te Ururoa talked about trust as one of the most important values he learnt as a student at St Stephen's that has guided him in everything he does - and affirmed his own commitment to his new role as we go forward - and Naida emphasised the importance of our kaupapa in restoring identity and self-determination for our whanau. Matua Whatarangi Winiata - inaugural party president also attended. It is always heartening to see him in our hui.

His wisdom, foresight and guidance in the development of our party will always remain one of his many great legacies.

As I contemplate my final 16 months in Parliament, I know that our kaupapa will be left in safe hands.