Parekura Horomia
| The Honourable Parekura Horomia MP |
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|---|---|
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| Horomia in Wellington | |
| 40th Minister of Māori Affairs | |
| In office 2002–2008 |
|
| Preceded by | Dover Samuels |
| Succeeded by | Pita Sharples |
| Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Ikaroa-Rāwhiti |
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| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office 2002 |
|
| Majority | 1,645 (51.49%) (at 2008 election) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 9 November 1950 Tolaga Bay |
| Nationality |  New Zealand |
| Political party | Labour |
| Committees | Mäori Affairs Committee |
Parekura Tureia Horomia (born 9 November 1950) is a New Zealand Labour Party past Minister of Māori Affairs[1]
[edit] Early life
Horomia was born in Tolaga Bay of Ngati Porou, Te Aitanga Hauiti, Ngati Kahungunu and Ngai Tahu descent.
He initially worked as a manual labourer, then as a printer in the newspaper industry. Later Horomia became involved in the Department of Labour's East Coast work schemes and was appointed to supervisory positions—rising to general manager of the Community Employment Group by 1992.
At the same time, he began to take on a number of prominent positions with Māori community organisations.
[edit] Member of Parliament
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| Years | Term | Electorate | List | Party |
| 1999–2002 | 46th | Ikaroa-Rāwhiti | 25 | Labour |
| 2002–2005 | 47th | Ikaroa-Rāwhiti | 5 | Labour |
| 2005–2008 | 48th | Ikaroa-Rāwhiti | 5 | Labour |
| 2008–2011 | 49th | Ikaroa-Rāwhiti | 5 | Labour |
| 2011–present | 50th | Ikaroa-Rāwhiti | 6 | Labour |
In the 1999 elections, Horomia stood as the Labour Party candidate for the Ikaroa-Rawhiti electorate (a Māori electorate). He defeated Derek Fox, a prominent figure in Māori politics who was standing as an independent candidate.
In the new Labour government formed after that election, Horomia became a minister outside cabinet, being Associate Minister of Māori Affairs, Associate Minister for Economic Development, Associate Minister of Employment, and Associate Minister of Education. In 2000, Dover Samuels was forced to step down as Minister of Māori Affairs after criminal allegations were made against him, and Horomia was appointed in his place. Although Samuels was cleared, it was decided that Horomia would retain the Māori Affairs portfolio.
Labour was defeated in the 2008 general election, but Horomia retained his seat – increasing his majority to about 1600. This was despite a challenge from well-known broadcaster Derek Fox.[2]
| Assembly seats | ||
|---|---|---|
| New constituency | Member of Parliament for Ikaroa-Rāwhiti 1999– |
Incumbent |
| Political offices | ||
| Preceded by Dover Samuels |
Minister of Māori Affairs 2002–2008 |
Succeeded by Pita Sharples |
[edit] References
- ^ "Ministerial List for Announcement on 31 October 2007" (DOC) (Press release). New Zealand Government. 31 October 2007. http://www.beehive.govt.nz/Documents/Files/Ministerial%20List.DOC.
- ^ Ikaroa-Rawhiti results 2008.
