Te Pāti Māori leaders have announced the expulsion of MPs Mariameno Kapa-Kingi and Tākuta Ferris.

Co-Leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer sad the “decision follows six weeks of rigorous process, robust debate across electorates and branches, Hui with members across the party, kōrero with the iwi chairs forum and other rangatira.”

Te Pāti Māori National executive met on Sunday night and a motion to expel with immediate effect was passed.

Co-leader Rawiri Waititi said the goal was to make sure that the current coalition government is one term.

“We can and will not allow anyone in this waka to sabotage the work and sacrifice that so many have given.”

Waititi said that they will not be commenting further on the kaupapa around Kapa-Kingi and Ferris.

Ferris, in a statement Monday morning, rejected the decision made by the executives.

“This decision is plainly unconstitutional, contrary to tikanga Mãori and a direct affront to the values this movement was founded upon – manaakitanga, pono, aroha and kotahitanga.”

In a Facebook post, Kapa-Kingi also responded to her expulsion, saying she intends to “challenge and appeal” the decision.