John Tamihere defends substance of Tākuta Ferris' controversial comments

Tuesday 16 September 2025 · 5 outlets · 5 reports · updated Tue 16 Sep 2025, 5:52pm

In this story Labour Party, Te Pāti Māori, Chris Hipkins, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, Tākuta Ferris, John Tamihere

Te Pāti Māori president John Tamihere has backed the substance of controversial remarks made by MP Tākuta Ferris regarding non-Māori involvement in Māori electorates. Labour leader Chris Hipkins expressed disagreement, stating such a position would make working with the party difficult.

How they headlined it

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1. StuffTue 16 Sep 2025, 11:27am

   Te Pāti Māori president says ‘substance' of controversial Tākuta Ferris comment was 'right' (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldTue 16 Sep 2025, 11:36am

   Te Pāti Māori President John Tamihere backs substance of Tākuta Ferris post, Labour’s Chris Hipkins sends warning (opens in new tab)

3. RNZTue 16 Sep 2025, 3:09pm

   Te Pāti Māori's John Tamihere defends Tākuta Ferris comments, agrees with 'substance' of them (opens in new tab)

4. The Press via The PostTue 16 Sep 2025, 4:16pm

   Rawiri Waititi fronts up on Tākuta Ferris comments - in te reo (opens in new tab)

5. Otago Daily TimesTue 16 Sep 2025, 5:52pm

   Tamihere defends Te Pāti Māori MP's controversial comments (opens in new tab)