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Ngati Kahungunu chair Bayden Barber

Ngāti Kahungunu chair Bayden Barber speaking at the re-opening of the Napier to Hastings rail line after it was closed earlier in 2023 due to Cyclone Gabrielle.

Photo: RNZ / Kate Green

Bayden Barber was one of the iwi leaders who tried to foster peace between factions inside Te Pati Maori last November after two of its MPs were expelled. In the first new episode of Mapuna for 2026 Bayden Barber talks about being the chair of Ngati Kahungunu, which is one of Aotearoa's largest iwi. Also what is his view of Te Pati Maori's prospects ahead of Waitangi Day and in an election year?