Te Pāti Māori has acknowledged an interim High Court ruling that reinstates ousted MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi as a party member, allowing her to attend Sunday’s AGM despite ongoing internal conflict.
While the judge declined most of Kapa-Kingi’s requests — including removing president John Tamihere and halting the AGM — Justice Paul Radich found “serious questions to be tried” over her expulsion, citing procedural issues, mistaken facts, and practical barriers created by her exclusion.
He ruled that preserving her membership was necessary until a full hearing in February, noting she had lost access to party databases and email systems crucial to her electorate work.
The party welcomed the AGM proceeding and Tamihere retaining his role, while Kapa-Kingi said the decision brought relief after months of turmoil.
The wider dispute centres on alleged budget overspending and public comments by her son, with both sides presenting sharply opposing interpretations of Te Pāti Māori’s constitution and the legitimacy of the expulsion process.
One big happy fanau
Love it