‘Sometimes I get texts after question time, like: What are you doing with that outfit on?’

National MP Tama Potaka hasn’t had a drink since about 2009, after his wedding. Against all odds, the Māori development, conservation, Māori-Crown relations and Whānau Ora minister has managed to keep a pretty level head since entering parliament via the 2022 Hamilton West byelection (sparked by the resignation of Gaurav Sharma, remember that guy?) Potaka is more inclined to a kombucha than a beer to get the party started, he gets his kicks from “sweating it out” in the gym or in joint passion projects with his wife (like a tree-planting fun run), and the highest compliment in his vocabulary is “epic”.

Because there’s no kombucha in the fridge at Pint of Order, tonight Potaka is making do with a Coke Zero. The 50-year-old has never really been much of a drinker anyway, not even during his time as a student at Victoria University in the late 90s, when he penned articles in English and te reo Māori for the student rag Salient, which was then edited by some guy called Toby Manhire. “Being in politics, keeping yourself together, and staying consistent [is key] … We’ve got enough on our plates, let alone having late nights and trying to wake up the next day,” Potaka reckons.

The biggest thing on Potaka’s plate this year is undoubtedly the general election. So far this term, Potaka is most proud of his work in the social housing space and in striking the balance between political and tribal responsibilities, which kind of ties into his New Year’s resolution: “Be the best Māori and New Zealander I can be.”

“There’s a motto in our office, and it’s one word, Lyric: believe,” Potaka tells me. “It doesn’t matter if you have to catch the late plane: just believe that you’re going to make it. You’ve got to stay positive on the issues, and don’t get negative about the individuals.”

At the end of the day, there’s only one individual Potaka needs to listen to, and that’s his missus, Ariana Paul. “Sometimes I get texts after question time, like: ‘what are you doing with that outfit on?'” If nothing else, Potaka is a wife guy; our interview gets interrupted by the minister whipping out his phone to show me photos of the couple at award shows and at home. “My mother was a stunner, too,” he says. Behind every great man is an even greater woman, I remind him. “Raising her eyebrows,” he adds.

This week, Potaka will be visiting the Treaty grounds on Waitangi Day alongside prime minister Christopher Luxon and other ministers. His top tips for those long, hot and crowded days?

“Number one: [be with] whānau. Number two: stay positive and respectful. Number three: be aware that there’s not just one view,” Potaka says. “Waitangi is a phenomenal, iconic place, and [it’s about] getting out and about and around to different groups – whether it’s the Māori wardens or the health providers. Seeing how we actually come together in a mosaic at a place like Waitangi, we recognise that it’s not just the constitutional front of the country, but the kotahi front. If we dismiss or reject that, then we’ll cast ourselves away from the past and the future.”

THE SPINOFF PUB Q+A

How much should a pint cost?

$10.

Do you have a karaoke go-to?

I really love that song ‘Man in the Mirror’ by Michael Jackson. But I’m not that great a singer, so I’ll probably go for ‘Empire State of Mind’ by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys. I don’t know if you know, but I was in New York for three-and-a-half years as a student at Columbia University and then as an attorney.

Favourite place to get a drink in Aotearoa?

At home with my wife. She’s the MVP of protein milkshakes.

Which three MPs would be on your pub quiz team?

Alive or dead? You can’t go past Sir Apirana Ngata, he’s a hero and a big player. Now, what’s the nature of the question for this pub quiz? Because that affects the selection of the draft. I really love the breadth of thinking that whaea Judith [Collins] brings; she’s all knowing, all powerful.

I can definitely carry some [topics] … It’s like Trivial Pursuit, I was very good at sports, history and geography but I was woeful at the pink and brown tokens, which means you need Goldie in your team. It was claimed he was Ngāti Porou once.

Which MP from across the aisle would you most like to share a drink with?

One guy who I really enjoy the company of, know as an entertaining guy and who came to my 50th birthday is [Labour MP] Peeni Henare. His wahine is my relation – there’s a whole bunch of people in the House who I’m related to.

Is there an alcohol-related law you would like to change?

I’m not really across the detail on alcohol-related laws, but I’m not really supportive of alcohol being sold on Christmas Day and Good Friday. I was entertained when [former National MP] Ian McKelvie’s member’s bill [Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Exemption for Race Meetings) Amendment Bill] got through to take a wine flask into the racing tracks. I thought that was bizarre.

What’s a policy area we’ve been nursing without finishing the glass?

Well, we are absolutely focused on getting the conservation legislation through and seeing some change in that portfolio because I think it can unleash not just economic upside, but environmental upside. The way that it’s set up at the moment isn’t really geared for success. So, being more enabling, and creating more recreational and heritage – as well as commercial and tourism – opportunities is where I’m at. It’s a task I’ve taken on as the conservation minister, and we’ve got to get out there and get on with it.

What qualities make a good drinking partner?

The ability to stay in the moment, to be aware, to listen to people, but offer your insights and contributions at the appropriate time. Don’t try to take over the conversation.

Have you ever had a Schnapps election moment where you regretted your political instinct?