On today’s episode Julian sits down to chat with the Minister for Māori Development,  MP for Hauraki-Waikato, Hon Nanaia Mahuta (Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Maniapoto and Ngāti Hine).

 

First elected to Parliament in 1996, when she became a list MP, Hon Nanaia Mahuta has supported policies and initiatives that built the capacity of communities, especially social service organisations, greater investment in education, employment and training opportunities, particularly for young people, supported the continuation of the Treaty Settlement process and supported specific initiatives that lift the wellbeing and opportunities for young mothers and those who are vulnerable and victims of abuse.

 

Nanaia is the daughter of Sir Robert Mahuta, who was the adopted son of King Korokī Te Rata Mahuta Tāwhiao Pōtatau Te Wherowhero (Māori King from 1933-66) and the elder brother of Māori Queen, Dame Te Atairangikaahu (Māori Queen from 1966-2006).

 

As of the 2017 election, Nanaia is the Minister for Māori Development and Local Government, and Associate Minister for the Environment, Housing (Māori Housing), and Trade and Export Growth.

 

In 2016, Nanaia made history by becoming the first female MP to wear a moko kauae, a traditional Māori tattoo on the chin.   In 2018, she was listed as one of BBC’s 100 Women

 

Nanaia Mahuta – Indigenous 100.