Debbie Ngawera-Packer

Debbie Ngāri Wa Paka, co-leader of Te Pāti Māori and energy spokesperson, delivers a stark critique of the New Zealand government's handling of the escalating fuel and energy crisis triggered by global geopolitical tensions, particularly the war in Tehran. She highlights the lack of real-time data, regional transparency, and cross-party collaboration, warning that outdated national figures mask critical regional shortages—especially in rural and Māori communities reliant on diesel for transport, healthcare, and primary industries. Ngāri Wa Paka calls for urgent action, including a cross-party forum to develop proactive, community-led responses, emphasizing Māori iwi-led resilience demonstrated during COVID-19. She condemns the government’s diplomatic alignment with nations involved in conflict, arguing it undermines Aotearoa’s sovereignty and moral standing. Despite the coalition’s promises to double renewable energy by 2050, she argues that inaction on energy security—especially under Energy Minister Shane Jones—has left the country unprepared. She urges whānau to begin rationing, prepare collectively, and trust community-led solutions over government reassurances. The episode underscores systemic failures in governance, the urgent need for transparency, and the moral imperative to center Māori and Pacific communities in crisis planning.