Pānui, November 2026

Following months of campaigning to get people to enrol to vote and last month’s successful political debates, we are all a bit tired but satisfied with the collective efforts. Enrolment has now closed and early voting has begun.

Our goal is clear – good riddance of “the worst government of my lifetime”. While CJT as a group is not affiliated with any political party, many of our members volunteer their precious time and energy to support candidates who share our values, helping with leaflet drops, door knocking, etc.

One member, our dear Rob and a friend, even spent a night sleeping in the street of Ōpunake to raise awareness about this cruel Government granting police powers to issue ‘move-on orders’ to people sleeping rough, as of the 25^th October. Keep an eye out for a story in our local paper Ōpunake and Coastal News on Thur 5^th November.

That date of 5^th November marks Te rā o te pāhua when in 1881, over 1,500 Crown troops who invaded Parihaka were greeted by children with kai and peaceful resistance. The subsequent looting, rape and pillaging and imprisonments were beyond shameful, and the pain is still being endured by ngā uri ō Parihaka.

Last week at Te Whare Hononga in Ngāmotu, Rev. Jay Ruka invited deep kōrero from political candidates around the question:

“What is your hope for the nation by 2040, at the 200^th anniversary of Te Tiriti ō Waitangi?”

It was a sobering evening, one that is much more meaningful, respectful and honest than an ordinary political debate ahead of an election. The event was attended by Te Tai Hauāuru MP Debbie Ngarewa-Packer of Te Pāti Māori and challenger Te Puoho Kātene of Labour, New Plymouth Labour candidate Amanda Clinton-Gohdes and incumbent MP David MacLeod of National, and Sarah Lucas of The Opportunity Party.

In her speech, Debbie challenged us all to learn about Mātike Mai – report by the independent working group on constitutional transformation. She shared her hope and vision of 2040 when Mātike Mai would have become a reality, communities would be thriving with well paid jobs being kaitiaki, there would be no energy hardship but a diverse range of renewables, and more… The kōrero by Amanda started with a very personal story, of her relationship with Parihaka – how one kuia welcomed her into the family and taught her what it meant to be tangata te tiriti. Despite all the discomfort and challenges she has had to face, she remains grateful, committed and hopeful.

Indeed, hope is what we must hold onto, in our fights for climate, te taiao and social justice.

Vote with aroha

As to the election, please vote with aroha as the billboard outside Taranaki Cathedral suggests. Vote also with understanding and care, to bring in an ethical, sensible and responsible new government, one that prioritises rights of disadvantaged people, protects nature, strengthens community resilience and honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

If you are unsure which party to vote for, jump onto https://votecompass.tvnz.co.nz/ and to delve a bit deeper into party policies, try https://www.nzvotecheck.com/, also check out Better Taxes’ party scorecards.