The Māori Party is back and louder than ever. The co-leaders, supported by hundreds who travelled the length of the island to be at Parliament today, made their maiden speeches in the House this afternoon.
It was pride that Rawiri Waititi sung of as he rose to his feet. Then came the reason the Māori Party is in Parliament, and a challenge.
Following a powerful waiata and haka, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer stood to make her maiden speech. She got straight to the point.
Ms Ngarewa-Packer went on to reflect on her family's connections to Parihaka, the Poi E Māori Club and being the daughter of an Irish Pākehā woman and a Māori dad.
Those who had travelled to witness the Māori Party return joined together in a huge show of support.
