Shane Te Pou

Guest writer

Shane Te Pou (Ngāi Tūhoe) is a former candidate, campaign manager and executive member of the Labour Party, and a former union official. He is no longer a member of any political party, but continues to support candidates and issues from across the political spectrum.

Peeni Henare speaks to media after a cabinet meeting (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

Nice lineup. Now for the mahi – starting with the minefield of Māori health

Decisions around associate health delegations are critical.

By Shane Te Pou | 3rd November, 2020

Nanaia Mahuta and Kelvin Davis speak to media following the cabinet announcement. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

A momentous day for Māori – at the cabinet table as never before

With five Māori in cabinet and another three Māori MPs in the wider executive, Shane Te Pou explains what it means – and what must come next.

By Shane Te Pou | 2nd November, 2020

Labour MP Annette King (L), carrying a 40-year-old photo of former Prime Minister Norman Kirk at Waitangi, and Titewhai Harawira (R) exchange a kiss as they arrive at the Te Tii Marae on February 5, 2014 in Paihia, New Zealand. Photo by Jason Oxenham/Getty Images

Review: An overly diplomatic biography of Labour grandee Dame Annette King

The authorised biography of New Zealand's longest-serving female MP was co-written by her former press secretary. Unsurprising, then, that it focuses on her triumphs.

By Shane Te Pou | 21st May, 2019

Nan Bella at Waiwhetu School, July 1991. Image: Mark Coote

Māori don’t need Chris Hipkins to tell us what’s best for our mokopuna

Shane Te Pou looks at the Ministry of Education's plans to close down the current charter school model, and what it means for Māori education.

By Shane Te Pou | 27th August, 2018