Another internal dispute has erupted within Te Pāti Māori, with the Christchurch branch accusing the party’s national leadership of shutting down communication channels and ignoring members on the ground.

Christchurch chairperson Teresa Butler said the branch has been blocked by the National Executive from directly contacting its own members, describing the situation as unprecedented and damaging for the party in the South Island’s largest city.

Butler has publicly expressed support on social media  for expelled Māori Party MPs Tākuta Ferris and Mariameno Kapa‑Kingi.

“Our members deserve to be heard. They have supported this movement in good faith and they expect honesty and accountability from those at the top,” Butler said.

She said the Christchurch branch has been alarmed by what it sees as deliberate obstruction from national leadership at a time when the party is already grappling with internal turmoil, public infighting, and growing criticism over governance issues.

“This is not how a political movement should function. Blocking a branch from speaking to its own people is unacceptable. We will not accept being dictated to without proper consultation,” Butler said.

She confirmed the branch has invited the National Executive to Christchurch for a face to face meeting, saying the leadership must front local members and explain its actions.

Tensions inside the party have been simmering nationally in recent months, with senior figures facing public scrutiny over candidate selections, internal discipline processes, and strained relationships between regional branches and the central leadership.

Butler said Christchurch members remain committed to their chosen candidate Takuta Ferris, saying the branch stands fully behind him and the work he carried out during the recent campaign.

“Our loyalty remains with the people who live here and the member they supported. We will stand firm for them.”

The National Executive has not publicly responded to the concerns raised by Christchurch.