Eru Kapa-Kingi
Eru Kapa-Kingi | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1996 (age 28–29) Whangārei, New Zealand |
| Education | LLB (Hons) |
| Alma mater | Victoria University of Wellington |
| Occupations |
|
| Organization | Toitū Te Tiriti |
| Known for | Hīkoi mō te Tiriti |
| Mother | Mariameno Kapa-Kingi |
Eru Kapa-Kingi (born 1996) is a New Zealand Māori activist. He rose to prominence as a leading figure of the Hīkoi mō te Tiriti protests in 2024.[1]
Personal life
[edit]He was born to Mariameno Kapa-Kingi (his mother; an MP since 2023 for Te Pāti Māori),[1] and Korotangi Kapa-Kingi (his father; a master carver who taught Māori arts at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa).[2] He grew up in Whangārei as one of three triplets.[1][2] He studied law at Victoria University of Wellington,[1] graduating with first-class honours.[2]
From his mother's side his whakapapa includes Te Aupōuri iwi, as well as Tahaawai and Ngāpuhi iwi. From his father's side he also has connections to Ngāitai, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, and Waikato iwi.[2]
Career
[edit]Kapa-Kingi is a teaching fellow of law at the University of Auckland.[1]
Politics and activism
[edit]He was on Te Pāti Māori's list for the 2023 election.[1]
Kapa-Kingi is the most recognisable face of the Hīkoi mō te Tiriti protests.[1] He addressed the crowds in front of parliament, saying "Today, the Māori nation has been born...".[1] He is a part of what has been described as "the kōhanga generation" of young Māori leaders.[2]
He gave an oral submission on the Treaty Principles Bill at a parliamentary select committee in February 2025, starting by calling the process "he moumou taima" (a waste of time).[3]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h Corlett, Eva (5 December 2024). "'We're not going away': the man who led NZ's biggest Māori rights march vows to fight on". The Guardian. Retrieved 27 June 2025.
- ^ a b c d e Husband, Dale (15 December 2024). "Eru Kapa-Kingi: It's the system that's radical, not me". E-Tangata.
- ^ "'Unconscionable': Iwi leaders, former PM, legal experts blast Treaty bill". Radio New Zealand. Te Manu Korihi. 20 February 2025.
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