14/05/2026
Will Tania Waikato Become New Zealand’s Next Green MP?
Former Te Pāti Māori lawyer Tania Waikato is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about new political figures heading into the 2026 election. The Green Party has ranked her 13th on its party list — making her the highest-ranked Green candidate who is not already sitting in Parliament.
Waikato brings more than 20 years of legal experience, including work in Māori business, Treaty issues, employment law and environmental advocacy. She has represented Te Pāti Māori in legal matters and also worked with Toitū te Tiriti at the Waitangi Tribunal. Despite her close professional links to Te Pāti Māori, Waikato says her personal values and environmental focus aligned more strongly with the Greens.
Her decision to join the Greens instead of Te Pāti Māori has sparked debate online, especially as she prepares to challenge Rawiri Waititi in the Waiariki electorate. Some see her as a rising political force capable of helping expand Green support among Māori voters, while others question whether Green and Te Pāti Māori voters will fully back her.
With the Greens currently holding 15 MPs in Parliament, many believe Waikato has a real chance of becoming a sitting MP after the next election.
Do you think Tania Waikato will win a seat in Parliament?
