Te Pāti Māori are pleased to announce Bridget Bell’s candidacy for the Manawatū District Council.

A descendant of Ngāti Kauwhata, Ngāti Haua, Ngāti Unu, Ngāti Matakore ki te Reureu, and Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, Bridget Bell is a young politician who is active in her community, iwi and hapū, and in the realm of Tiriti o Waitangi justice.

“Bridget embodies Te Pāti Māori values and we are proud to have her running under our banner for the Manawatū District Council. When people of Bridget’s generation are seizing the opportunity to advance our movement at a Local Government level, it really does signify the dawn of a new era for our people” Te Pāti Māori President John Tamihere said.

Bridget was a key part of Ngāti Kauwhata’s COVID-19 response, overseeing the coordination of whānau tautoko and manaaki. More recently, she was on the front line team who championed and successfully convinced the local council to change their position in support of Māori wards, after initially voting 6-4 against the establishment of a Māori ward in Manawatū.

“I am stoked to have such a staunch and vibrant wahine putting her hand up for Te Pāti Māori. Her commitment to uplifting Māori voices, protecting our whenua, and her ability to bring people together is without question. She was instrumental in getting the Māori ward established in Manawatū and it is only fitting that she will now be contesting that seat” said Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.

“I sought endorsement from Te Pāti Māori because I too believe in a Tiriti-focused Aotearoa that respects our role as tangata whenua and ensures we all reach our true potential” said Bridget Bell.

Bridget is passionate about environmental sustainability and ensuring local government makes decisions that are best for future generations. She is a great fit for Te Pāti Māori.

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