Nanaia Mahuta

Nanaia Mahuta served in Parliament for 27 years, in several spokesperson roles and as a Minister during the Clark and Ardern Governments.

In 2016, Nanaia received her moko kauae and was the first female Parliamentarian to address the house, symbolic of her unwavering commitment to her whakapapa and representing her identity on national and global stages. In 2017 Nanaia was the first female Minister for Māori Development and in 2020 the first female Minister of Foreign Affairs.

During her most recent service as Minister, Nanaia introduced the concept of Indigenous values to Aotearoa New Zealand’s diplomacy toolkit, strengthened the relationship with the Pacific based intergenerational whanaungatanga values, initiated the first Kaupapa Māori Housing strategy, introduced the Government social procurement target for Māori and Pacific peoples, initiated the Australian and Canadian Collaboration agreements and sought indigenous chapters in the UK and EU RTA agreements.

Throughout her career, Nanaia has been a staunch advocate for social justice, environmental sustainability, and the empowerment of indigenous communities. In recognition of our shared humanity and responsibility, Nanaia sees educating for global citizenship as the way forward  to build a more tolerant, empathetic, fair and just world.

Nanaia is known for her dedication to her whanau and community.  Inspiring many with her leadership, resilience, and dedication, Nanaia is guided by her tupuna and makes mokopuna focused decisions.