Mariameno Kapa-Kingi has been reinstated as a MP for Te Pāti Māori after an order in the Wellington High Court, which called her suspension and expulsion "unlawful".
Kapa-Kingi was removed as a member on November 10 after the party's National Council alleged she misused funds and brought the party into disrepute. Takūta Ferris was also expelled from the party at the time.
Over much of 2025, internal conflict has plagued the party after allegations were made by Kapa-Kingi’s son, former party executive Eru Kapa-Kingi, of a "dictatorship model" by the party leadership.
The conflict has at times spilled into public view, drawing criticism on both sides of the argument.
Mariameno Kapa-Kingi took the party to court, challenging her expulsion, shortly before its annual general meeting.
Justice Paul Radich heard the case in the Wellington High Court and reinstated her as a member of the party in an interim order, finding "serious questions to be tried" about the way Kapa-Kingi was expelled.
Today, Radich ruled the resolutions to suspend and expel Kapa-Kingi from the party were "unlawful under the party's constitution".
He ordered the decisions be set aside, and she be reinstated.
Te Pāti Māori acknowledges decision
After the ruling of the Court, Te Pāti Māori said it would uphold the court's ruling.
"We acknowledge Mariameno Kapa-Kingi in her role as the elected representative for Te Tai Tokerau," a spokesperson said.
It said out of respect for the Court’s process and the mana of all involved, the party "will not be engaging in ongoing commentary or relitigating this matter through the media".
"With the Court’s decision now delivered, this matter is concluded for the Party, and we will be moving forward with repatriating of Mariameno Kapa-Kingi back into the Pāti."
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