Aperahama Edwards
Aperahama Edwards | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Edwards in 2026 | |
| Chairman of Ngātiwai | |
| Assumed office 31 July 2020 | |
| Preceded by | Haydn Edmonds |
| Personal details | |
| Party | Te Pāti Māori (≤2026–present) |
Aperahama Edwards is a New Zealand Māori tribal leader. He is currently chairman of the Ngātiwai Trust Board, the legal entity representing the people and hapū of Ngātiwai iwi. He is running for Te Tai Tokerau in the 2026 New Zealand general election as Te Pāti Māori's candidate.
Iwi governance
[edit]Edwards was part of the three-person team behind Hinemoana Halo, a carbon offset conservation scheme that aimed to protect marine biodiversity in New Zealand and the Pacific.[1]
Ngātiwai Trust Board chairmanship
[edit]Edwards was elected chairman of the iwi board on 31 July 2020 following a hui ('meeting') by board trustees.[2] He had been a trustee on the board for four years prior, and was the chairman of the iwi's Treaty Claims Committee.[2] He replaced outgoing chairman Haydn Edmonds.[2]
Edwards was removed from the public gallery of the New Zealand Parliament following his interruption of a debate on proposed changes to the law that would make it harder for Māori to secure customary marine title to the foreshore and seabed.[3] After ACT's Todd Stephenson finished speaking in support of the changes, Edwards interjected "Ko wai hoki rātou? Who do they think they are?"[3]
During a speech by ACT leader David Seymour at Waitangi in 2025, Edwards removed the microphone twice. Edwards told Stuff that it had become clear to him that Seymour was "fanning the flames of hurt and pain" during his speech.[4] Edwards was one of only two speakers from the mana whenua that day, a sign of anger towards the government.[4]
In May 2026, Edwards was selected by Te Pāti Māori as their candidate for Te Tai Tokerau at the 2026 New Zealand general election following incumbent Te Tai Tokerau MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi's split from Te Pāti Māori.[5]
References
[edit]- ↑ Gemmell, Laura (13 December 2023). "Māori climate startup secures multimillion-dollar investment at Cop28". The Spinoff.
- 1 2 3 "Newly elected Chairman to lead the Ngātiwai Trust Board". Ngātiwai Trust Board. 27 August 2020.
- 1 2 Natanahira, Tuwhenuaroa (10 October 2025). "'Ko wai hoki rātou?': Ngātiwai rangatira speaks out after ejection from foreshore and seabed debate". Radio New Zealand.
- 1 2 McConnell, Glenn (6 February 2025). "Inside the debate and drama of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds". Stuff.
- ↑ "Aperahama Edwards to run as Te Pāti Māori MP for Te Tai Tokerau". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 30 May 2026.