05/02/2026
As we move into Waitangi Day Weekend, which for us begins tomorrow, and with the news coming from Waitangi itself, I was saddened to hear Peeni Henare inform us all that he is on his way out of Politics. I get it – it’s a tough gig.
Over the years we have had so many visits from Politicians, from both sides of the house. We feel honoured to have been included in very tight schedules. Without question all have had very positive reactions to what they have seen and experienced in their time with us.
In those times when we were actually in the schools cooking for the kids and caring for our community the way that made the most sense to us, it meant a lot.
But of all those politicians, the only one who made a direct contribution through his mahi to support our kaupapa was Peeni Henare.
I know how it works, and I know he didn’t go – “Oh, here’s Koha Kai – they deserve some money – here ya go.” That’s NOT how it works. But he was Minister of Whānau Ora, and he took our essence and fought to support us through the system. Koha Kai is deeply embedded in living the principles and values of Whānau Ora. Peeni Henare fought hard to ensure the work we were doing was not overlooked. It absolutely devastates me that everything we achieved through those years now counts for nothing.
So, I understand how devastating it must be for him to see so much and so many of his achievements wiped away in just two years. I understand now he feels tired and needs to refocus elsewhere – but he will be missed.
In my experience, every politician who has visited us – they’ve all been nice, really pleasant people, who have entered politics for genuine reasons. But of all who have spent time with us, the one person who has stood out for us was Peeni Henare, and I just want to thank him here, for the time he gave us, for the support he gave us through Whānau Ora and through the Voluntary Sector, and to wish him all the very best as he moves on now – outside of Parliament.
