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Pita Russell Sharples, CBE, (born 20 July 1941), a Māori academic and politician, currently co-leads the Māori Party. He currently is the member for Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland City) in New Zealand's Parliament.
Early life
Sharples, of the Ngati Kahungunu iwi, was born in Waipawa, a town in Hawke's Bay. He received his early education at Waipukurau District High School and then at Te Aute College. He then attended the University of Auckland, studying education. After graduating, he remained at the University as an instructor, working as a Professor of Education.
Member of Parliament
In addition to his academic work, Sharples has long advocated a separate Māori political party. After the foreshore and seabed controversy flared in 2003–2004, Sharples joined forces with ...
Hip hop dance crew ReQuest has shown once again that passion tempered by total commitment and discipline can take you to the top of the world, says Maori Affairs Minister Dr Pita Sharples. "You can't do better than win gold at the World Championships in Las Vegas," said Dr Sharples. "This is a fantastic achievement, and due recognition for the brilliance of their dance," he said. "ReQuest performed at the Maori Sports Awards last year, when they won the Varsity (under-19) grade at the worlds. They were absolutely awesome. Their routine was faultless. "This year they've stepped up to the top ...
Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples has put his weight behind a call from Otago University researchers for tobacco sales to be phased out by 2020.In a paper published in the New Zealand Medical Journal, a team led by Dr Tony Blakely said ending tobacco sales in 10 years would add five years to Maori life expectancy by 2040.With almost 50% of Maori now smoking, Dr Sharples says it's the most effective way to reduce mortality rates.He told Waatea News that while the current anti-smoking battle is focused on price rises and banning displays, ways must be found to make smoking unacceptable in ...
A ban of haka at a school boy rugby tournament has "disgusted" the Minister of Maori Affairs, Pita Sharples. Under-13 boys playing in the Roller Mills rugby tournament in Cambridge next month have been barred from performing pre-match haka because of fears they lead to violence and intimidation. Labour MP Kelvin Davis has already called for a reversal of the ban, and Dr Sharples joined the call this afternoon. "It is an absolute travesty to equate the haka with violence,'' Dr Sharples said. ''Violence does occur during rugby games, and other contact sports, but to blame the haka is ridiculous. ...
Minister announces Waitangi Tribunal Appointments
Pita Sharples | Māori Affairs
Minister of Māori Affairs, Hon Dr Pita R Sharples, today announced the appointment of Miriama Evans, Dr Rawinia Higgins, Hon Paul Swain and Nick Davidson to the Waitangi Tribunal. Each has been appointed for a term of three years, from 1 January 2013.
They will join Professor Sir Hirini Mead who was reappointed as a member of the Tribunal today.
“All of these new appointees bring their own set of skills and experience to the Waitangi Tribunal,” said Dr. Pita Sharples.
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New leadership scholarships announced for Maori boarding schools
Pita Sharples | Education
Hon. Dr. Pita Sharples, Associate Minister of Education, has today announced the establishment of Puawaitanga scholarships for students enrolling in a Tutahi Maori Boarding School. These scholarships will be awarded to young people who demonstrate leadership potential, to help them to attend either Hato Paora College, Hato Petera College, Hukarere Girls College, St Joseph’s Maori Girls College, Te Aute College or Turakina Maori Girls College.
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State of the Māori Nation
Pita Sharples | Māori Affairs
Mihi.
Tihēi Mauri Ora!
First let me congratulate Dr Lance O’Sullivan for winning Māori of the Year announced today. He is an inspiration for us all; working with whānau and communities at the grass-roots making a real difference.
//
Tēnā koutou katoa.
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Minister congratulates Australian House of Representatives for Act of Recognition
Pita Sharples | Māori Affairs
Minister of Maori Affairs, Hon Dr Pita Sharples has welcomed the news that today Australia’s House of Representatives unanimously passed an Act of Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as first peoples of Australia, which also commits the next Parliament to hold a referendum with the intention of recognising their indigenous status in Australia’s Constitution.
Dr Sharples said “I applaud the commitment shown by Australia’s House of Representatives to provide recognition for the rights and status of indigenous people in Australia.”
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