Young NZ MP Honoured in New York

Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, New Zealand’s youngest Member of Parliament, was celebrated in New York this week after being named one of Time magazine’s 100 Next rising leaders.

At just 22 years old, Maipi-Clarke was praised for her powerful political presence and leadership, especially in advocating for indigenous rights.

The Time 100 Next list highlights young people across the world who are helping to shape the future. Maipi-Clarke gained international attention last year when she performed a haka inside Parliament to protest a bill about the Treaty of Waitangi. A video of that moment has now been viewed more than 700 million times online.

Elected at age 21, Maipi-Clarke won the Māori electorate seat of Hauraki-Waikato, beating a senior minister and making history as the youngest MP in 170 years. She is known for using social media to connect with young people, with over 250,000 followers on Instagram and 175,000 on TikTok.

Time magazine said her award recognises people “driving change on equality and justice.” She was also praised for tearing up the Treaty Principles Bill during her protest and then leading the haka, joined by other Māori leaders in Parliament.

Former US politician Deb Haaland wrote a tribute for Maipi-Clarke in the magazine, calling her a courageous voice for indigenous communities. Haaland said Maipi-Clarke represents a new generation of young leaders who are already shaping the world, not just preparing for the future.

Before receiving this award, Maipi-Clarke was also named One Young World’s Politician of the Year for her efforts to protect Māori traditions and rights.