Taupō's Lone Star today hosted a formal Māori Christmas event for many iwi in the region. Labour MP and Waikato-Rangitikei candidate alpine- was one of the attendees. She made a brief speech and karakia before the feast:

"Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa. Meri Kirihimete me te Hape Nū Ia.

"I am honoured to speak here today, and to be the last speaker before the feast. Firstly, thank you to all the amazing and hard-working chefs who have prepared this meal this morning. Today is a special day for Taupō's biculturalism; when local iwi celebrate Christmas with Pākehā like me!

The audience cracks up.

"I don't want to get too political on such an important day, but I do quickly want to mention Labour's policy in regards to Te Reo Māori. Labour plans to introduce Māori into primary schools, because we believe our culture and our heritage are vital to our national identity.

"Especially in the Waikato electorate, where Te Reo Māori is more wide-spoken, I believe allowing for our children to engage in Māori culture will become a strength of our country compared to others worldwide. Māori is what separates us from others, and it's what many recognise as from New Zealand - so it makes sense for us to foster and nurture what makes us so special.

"I urge you all to two ticks Labour, otherwise we risk foreign political parties entering office who do not understand our cultural background or its significance. I will end now on a karakia, before we can dig into this lovely food!

"E te Atua
Whakapainga ēnei kai
Hei oranga mō ō mātou tinana
Whāngaia hoki ō mātou wairua ki te taro o te ora
Ko Ihu Karaiti tō mātou Ariki
Ake, ake, ake
Amine"

Amine