At just 21 years old, Hana Maipi-Clarke has accomplished so much. 

She received her education at Te Wharekura o Rākaumangamanga in Huntly and even published a book called Maahina, which delves into the Māori lunar calendar known as maramataka. She was then invited to give a speech on the footsteps of Parliament in celebration of 50 years of the Māori Language Petition and now – she is the youngest politician in Parliament in 170 years for Te Pāti Māori. 

The young Hana Rawhiti acknowledges the movements in Māori history that have paved a way for her – Te Kīngitanga, Kōhanga reo and Te Petihaa Reo Māori and more. With a whakapapa full of Māori who have been pioneers in some of the greatest activism movements in Aotearoa, Hana Rawhit feels inspired and supported in stepping up to the challenge of being in parliament and bringing the young people of her electorate and beyond with her. 

We had the privilege of speaking with this future change maker and wahine Māori who is part of the direction moving forward for young Māori.

This is her story. Indigenous 100 – Hana Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke