A minister in New Zealand’s Labour government has abruptly quit the party, saying she will contest the upcoming election for the minor Māori party – roiling colleagues who were blindsided by her defection.
Meka Whaitiri’s resignation from Labour “effective immediately” appeared likely to bolster the electoral fortunes of Te Pāti Māori (the Māori party), which recent polls suggest could be the kingmaker after October’s general election.
