SELLEST OSAST
Harita and her brother Avinash interview Mariameno Kapa-Kingi
Mariameno Kapa‑Kingi has strong whakapapa connections across Te Aupōuri, Ngāpuhi nui tonu, Waikato and Te Whānau‑ā‑Apanui.
She is the Member of Parliament for Te Tai Tokerau, but her journey to Parliament has been grounded in lifelong service to iwi Māori, hapū and whānau – particularly māmā and wāhine.
Before entering Parliament, Mariameno worked extensively on the frontline with Ngāti Hine Health Trust, in Whānau Ora, suicide prevention, Oranga Tamariki, the former Department of Social Welfare, Rape Crisis, and as Chief Executive of Te Aupōuri.
She follows in the footsteps of her tupuna, Eparaima Kapa, who served in the 11th Parliament from 1891 to 1893. Her leadership is guided by what she calls “mokopuna decisions” – always asking whether the choices made today will leave a better future for generations to come.
Note: this interview was recorded in April, prior to the announcement of her new political party
