Getting to know Nanaia Mahuta

The Labour MP for Hauraki-Waikato is confident her new energy and law and order portfolios will help her create safer, more sustainable communities.

Growing up, did you always know you would pursue a career in politics?

No, although my family has always been involved in community and tribal politics. I got involved with the Labour Party in about 1994 when we were heading into our first MMP election. Koro Wetere had just announced he would be standing down from the Western Maori seat.

Can you tell us about your first foray into politics and what you learnt from the experience?

In 1984, when I was 14, [Waikato tribe] Tainui joined a March to Waitangi to advance our claims over the confiscation of Waikato lands. Many young people my age and older were really excited to be part of something we hoped would see the return of Waikato lands to our iwi. I learnt that actions speak louder than words and that we needed to make a stand on the really important issues affecting Waikato and Tainui.

What have been the highlights of your career so far?

In my electorate, they have been: the formation of the first standalone Maori language high school, Nga Taiatea, the resolution of the Waikato River Claim, the increased emphasis on youth transitioning from school to further training or employment, the rollout of Family Start initiatives supporting young and vulnerable families and the emergence of Teen Parent Units to help young mums. I have also seen the initial launch of Te Hurihanga and the establishment of the Rangatahi courts [marae-based courts for young Maori offenders]. I have supported campaigns such as CanTeen, Relay for Life, Breastfeeding Awareness Week and Diabetes Awareness Week.

What have been some of your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

My biggest professional challenge was the foreshore and seabed issue. I argued in favour of Maori perspectives on the matter at a time when general public opinion and the political process made it very difficult for the issue to be well managed. Although the process was difficult, the outcome preserved public access to the beaches and enabled a range of Maori customary rights to be recognised. It also preserved the legal right of many claims to go through the Treaty of Waitangi settlement process. The whole issue was divisive and challenging on a political and personal level. I believe I made the best decisions given the hand I was dealt at the time.

 In June, you were appointed portfolio spokesperson for Energy and associate portfolio spokesperson for Law and Order. What do you hope to achieve in these areas?

For the energy portfolio, I would like to see our country move from its reliance on fossil fuels towards renewable energy generation and bio-diesel production to improve our country’s options for electricity and transport. We also need to continue to work towards a more efficient use of electricity and I support campaigns to do this. The best thing we can do to support a happy and healthy future is to ensure we have warm and energy-efficient homes. It’s good for our kids, good for the environment and, most importantly, good for family wellbeing.

For the law and order portfolio, my objective is quite simple: to stop the tide of young Maori going to prison and following a life of crime, and feeling they need to belong to gangs to get ahead. This means doing all we can to improve choices for young people while they’re still in the education system.

We need to offer them more support as they take on new education, training and employment opportunities. I am beginning to warm to the notion that young people should be directed towards military training if they display problematic behaviour. Young people who lack direction can often be steered on to the right track through this experience.

How did you feel about being moved to the parliamentary front bench in June this year?

The timing was not of my choosing. My son had just reached nine months of age and I have been working hard to balance my commitment to him with being effective in Parliament and my electorate. It is a challenge, but I want to maintain my strong focus and commitment to both. I do the very best job I can.

Which issues are you most passionate about right now?

I want to help young people be the best they can be. This means creating greater opportunities for them in terms of education, affordable and quality healthcare services and safe, violence-free homes. I want them to be able to believe the future is in their hands. I’m also passionate about being a great mum and helping communities become better places to live. I want to see Maori move beyond treaty grievances and settlements and really focus on shaping our great country.