Te Pāti Māori MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi faces $133,000 budget overuse allegations, including payments to her son, amid internal party tensions and leadership changes.

Te Pāti Māori MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi faces allegations of potential office budget overspending by up to $133,000, with Parliamentary Services warning in July of financial shortfalls and urging corrective action. The party disclosed internal documents citing concerns over transparency, including payments to her son Eru Kapa-Kingi, a former spokesperson linked to a protest group and previously barred from Parliament for security breaches. Eru has not commented but says a statement is forthcoming. Kapa-Kingi was demoted as whip due to absences and the need to focus on her electorate ahead of the 2026 election. The party says the issue has been resolved, but internal tensions persist following public disputes. National Party leaders criticized the party’s management, while Labour declined to rule out cooperation. Parliamentary Services declined to comment on individual matters.