Nicole McKee's new role means record Māori party leaders – but no single Māori voice

New Zealand now has more party leaders of Māori descent in parliament than ever before, following Nicole McKee's appointment as deputy leader of the Act Party. This means both minor parties in the coalition government have Māori leaders. However, the rise in Māori representation has sparked debates about who truly represents Māori interests, with McKee rejecting Te Pāti Māori's claim to speak for all Māori. The article highlights the diversity of Māori political views and experiences, noting that while some politicians question each other's Māori identity, others argue that whakapapa alone is sufficient. The increasing number of Māori leaders reflects a broader spectrum of Māori perspectives in politics.