Waatea News: Māori Radio Station

The Human Rights Commission is mounting a strong challenge to the Government’s proposed overhaul of Treaty clauses in legislation, warning the reforms could have far-reaching constitutional, legal and human rights consequences for Aotearoa.

In its submission on the Government’s review of Treaty provisions across legislation, the Commission argues that removing or rewriting Treaty clauses would create uncertainty about the Crown’s obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, weaken long-established legal principles and risk undermining the protection of Māori rights.

Rongomau Taketake Dayle Takitimu says the Commission’s concerns extend well beyond individual pieces of legislation, describing the proposed reforms as changes with the potential to reshape the constitutional relationship between the Crown and Māori.

The Government says its review is intended to improve consistency and clarity across legislation by standardising references to Treaty principles. Ministers argue the current framework contains inconsistent wording developed over several decades and that clearer statutory language will provide greater certainty for public agencies and decision-makers.

The Human Rights Commission takes a different view.

It says Treaty clauses have evolved through decades of legislation, court decisions and public policy, creating a body of law that provides guidance on how the Crown should meet its obligations to Māori. Removing or significantly altering those clauses, the Commission argues, risks creating confusion for government agencies, local authorities, the courts and communities attempting to understand and apply the law.

The submission also warns that the reforms could have implications for New Zealand’s international human rights commitments, including obligations under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and other international agreements recognising Indigenous rights and participation in public decision-making.

The Commission argues that Te Tiriti remains a foundational constitutional document and that legislation should continue to reflect the partnership between Māori and the Crown rather than diminish it.

The debate comes amid growing concern from iwi, Māori organisations, legal experts and human rights advocates over a number of Government policies affecting Māori participation in public life. Recent controversies have included proposed changes to Treaty clauses, reforms to resource management legislation, the removal of Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements and broader discussions around the role of Te Tiriti within New Zealand’s constitutional framework.

Supporters of the Government’s reforms argue the review will simplify legislation, improve legal certainty and ensure Treaty provisions are applied consistently across different Acts of Parliament.

Opponents say the proposals represent a significant constitutional shift that could weaken established protections for Māori rights and increase litigation as courts seek to interpret new legislative wording without decades of existing legal precedent.

With submissions now before the Government, the future of Treaty clauses is emerging as one of the defining constitutional debates of the 2026 election campaign, highlighting fundamentally different views on the place of Te Tiriti within New Zealand’s legal and political system.

#HumanRightsCommission #TeTiriti #TreatyOfWaitangi #Constitution #MāoriRights #DayleTakitimu #RuleOfLaw #HumanRights #ManaMotuhake #Justice #NZPolitics #Election2026 #TeAoMāori #Aotearoa #RadioWaatea #WaateaNews

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New Zealand First is ramping up its campaign for the 2026 General Election, with leader Winston Peters unveiling a new slate of candidates and promoting a series of headline-grabbing policies aimed at appealing to voters concerned about national identity, law and order, democracy and the cost of living.

As the party prepares for the November election, Peters says New Zealand First is positioning itself as a defender of common sense policies and a strong voice within the coalition Government, arguing its presence has been instrumental in influencing key Government decisions over the past parliamentary term.

Among the party’s latest policy announcements is a proposal to restrict voting in New Zealand elections to citizens only. Peters says the change would strengthen the integrity of the electoral system by ensuring that only New Zealand citizens determine the country’s political future. The proposal would end voting rights for permanent residents, who are currently eligible to vote after meeting residency requirements.

The policy has already sparked debate, with supporters describing it as aligning New Zealand with many comparable democracies, while critics argue it would remove long-standing democratic rights from thousands of permanent residents who contribute to New Zealand society.

Candidate selections have also attracted attention as New Zealand First expands its team ahead of the election. Peters says the party is seeking candidates with practical experience across business, agriculture, local government and community leadership, describing the line-up as people who understand the everyday challenges facing New Zealanders.

The party is also continuing to champion a number of policies that distinguish it from its coalition partners, including stronger immigration controls, greater investment in regional New Zealand, support for the energy sector and opposition to what it describes as divisive identity politics.

Peters has also reaffirmed his backing for Resources Minister Shane Jones, signalling the party remains united behind one of its most prominent ministers as speculation continues over the political landscape heading into the election campaign.

Meanwhile, New Zealand First has welcomed the Government’s decision to reject calls for a nationwide ban on the public sale of fireworks. The party has long argued that responsible New Zealanders should not lose freedoms because of the actions of a minority who misuse fireworks, framing the issue as one of personal responsibility rather than additional regulation.

With Parliament entering one of its final sittings before the election campaign intensifies, New Zealand First is expected to continue focusing on issues including economic resilience, regional development, energy security, law and order, immigration and constitutional matters.

Political commentators suggest the party’s strategy is aimed at consolidating support among voters seeking a more conservative approach on social issues while maintaining its long-standing emphasis on regional New Zealand and national sovereignty.

As election day approaches, Peters is positioning New Zealand First as a party capable of influencing the balance of power once again, arguing that a strong result for NZ First would provide stability and ensure the next Government remains focused on what the party describes as the interests of everyday New Zealanders.

#NZFirst #WinstonPeters #Election2026 #NZPolitics #GeneralElection #CitizensOnlyVoting #ShaneJones #LawAndOrder #Immigration #RegionalNewZealand #Democracy #CostOfLiving #CoalitionGovernment #Aotearoa #RadioWaatea #WaateaNews

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As artificial intelligence rapidly becomes part of everyday life and more of New Zealand’s critical data is stored on overseas-owned cloud platforms, University of Auckland Professor Gehan Gunasekara is warning the country faces growing economic, strategic and national security risks unless it strengthens its digital resilience and regulatory framework.

The warning comes amid increasing use of artificial intelligence across government, business, education and healthcare, alongside growing investment in large-scale data infrastructure that powers AI technologies.

Professor Gunasekara says New Zealand has become heavily dependent on multinational technology companies for cloud computing, data storage and artificial intelligence services, raising important questions about who controls the country’s digital infrastructure and where sensitive information ultimately resides.

The issue has gained increasing attention as AI tools become embedded in schools, workplaces and public services. Recent reviews have found AI use is now widespread throughout New Zealand’s education sector, with teachers and students increasingly relying on generative AI for learning, assessment and administration. Education experts say clearer national guidance is needed to ensure AI is used safely, ethically and consistently across classrooms.

At the same time, the Government is looking to position New Zealand as an attractive destination for AI-related investment, promoting the country’s renewable energy resources and stable political environment to attract international technology companies seeking locations for major data centres.

However, the rapid growth of AI infrastructure has also prompted calls for greater scrutiny. The Green Party has proposed a one-year pause on consenting new AI data centres while the Government develops a comprehensive national strategy to address their environmental impacts, energy demands, water use and implications for digital sovereignty.

Professor Gunasekara argues the conversation extends well beyond infrastructure. He says New Zealand must consider how much control it retains over critical information as increasing volumes of government records, business data and personal information are managed through overseas-owned cloud services operating under foreign legal jurisdictions.

Digital sovereignty has emerged as a growing policy issue internationally, with many countries examining how to balance the benefits of global technology platforms against the risks of relying on infrastructure beyond their direct control.

For Māori, the discussion also intersects with questions of data sovereignty. Māori organisations have long argued that information relating to Māori communities, whakapapa, health, language and cultural knowledge should be governed in ways that recognise tino rangatiratanga and Indigenous rights over data.

As AI systems increasingly rely on vast datasets to train algorithms and inform decision-making, researchers say ensuring Māori data is collected, stored and used in culturally appropriate ways will become increasingly important.

Cybersecurity experts also warn that dependence on offshore digital infrastructure creates additional resilience challenges. Major international outages, geopolitical tensions or changes in foreign regulation could have significant consequences for essential services operating in New Zealand.

Professor Gunasekara says New Zealand needs a coordinated national strategy that addresses artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, privacy, competition law and digital infrastructure as interconnected issues rather than separate policy debates.

Such a strategy, he argues, should encourage innovation while ensuring public trust, protecting sensitive information and maintaining national resilience in an increasingly digital economy.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape every sector of society, experts say decisions made over the coming years will determine not only how New Zealand uses AI, but who ultimately controls the data, infrastructure and technologies that underpin the country’s digital future.

#ArtificialIntelligence #AI #DigitalSovereignty #DataSovereignty #CyberSecurity #CloudComputing #UniversityOfAuckland #GehanGunasekara #MāoriDataSovereignty #Technology #Innovation #Education #DataCentres #Privacy #NationalSecurity #TeAoMāori #Aotearoa #RadioWaatea #WaateaNews

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New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has launched a blistering attack on trade unions, describing them as “A prostitute for the Labour Party” and demanding they apologise to New Zealand First over what he says have been repeated politically motivated attacks against the party.

Peters made the comments as he intensified his election campaign, accusing sections of the union movement, including the Public Service Association (PSA), of abandoning political neutrality and acting as campaign organisations for Labour rather than representing the interests of all workers.

The outspoken remarks come as New Zealand First sharpens its focus on constitutional reform, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the role of public institutions ahead of the 2026 General Election.

Peters has also renewed his criticism of the Human Rights Commission, arguing the independent Crown entity has moved beyond its statutory role by intervening in political and constitutional debates. His comments follow the Commission’s submission opposing the Government’s proposed overhaul of Treaty clauses across legislation, warning the reforms could weaken human rights protections and create constitutional uncertainty.

Speaking as New Zealand First rolls out its election platform, Peters defended what he described as the original intent of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, arguing the Treaty should be interpreted according to its original wording and historical context.

He says the Treaty was intended to establish a single sovereign nation under the Crown while protecting Māori rights contained within its three articles, rejecting what he describes as the expansion of Treaty “principles” through legislation, court decisions and public policy over recent decades.

Central to New Zealand First’s campaign is its opposition to co-governance arrangements and what the party describes as race-based public policy. Peters argues public institutions should serve all New Zealanders equally, regardless of ethnicity, and that democratic decision-making should remain based on equal citizenship rather than separate governance structures.

The party has consistently opposed separate public service delivery models, dedicated Māori governance arrangements and policies it says divide New Zealanders by race.

New Zealand First maintains the Government’s review of Treaty clauses is necessary to restore legal certainty and ensure legislation reflects the original Treaty rather than evolving legal interpretations.

The PSA has also become a regular target of Peters’ criticism. He argues parts of the public service and union movement have become politically active, rather than remaining focused on implementing the policies of democratically elected governments.

Supporters of New Zealand First’s position argue the party is defending equal citizenship, parliamentary sovereignty and democratic accountability by ensuring laws apply equally to all New Zealanders.

Critics, however, contend Peters’ approach overlooks decades of legal development recognising the partnership between Māori and the Crown under Te Tiriti and risks weakening established protections for Māori rights and participation in public decision-making.

As the campaign intensifies, debate over Te Tiriti, co-governance, public institutions and the future relationship between Māori and the Crown is expected to remain at the centre of New Zealand politics.

#WinstonPeters #NZFirst #TeTiriti #TreatyOfWaitangi #HumanRightsCommission #PSA #TradeUnions #LabourParty #CoGovernance #Constitution #Election2026 #NZPolitics #Democracy #ManaMotuhake #TeAoMāori #Aotearoa #RadioWaatea #WaateaNews

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I puta te āki i a NZMACI ki te Kāwanatanga kia tautokona tonutia rātau kia pai ai ā rātou mahi whakawhanake i te reanga hou o ngā ringatoi Māori, arā ngā kaiwhakairo me ngā kairaranga.

E ai ki te Upoko o NZMACI, a Ranginui Rikirangi Thomas, kei te haere tonu te mahi a te whare nei ki te tiaki me te tuku iho i ngā toi Māori me te mātauranga Māori i raro i te Māori Arts and Crafts Act 1926 me te NZMACI Vesting Act 2020.

Mai i te whitinga o NZMACI i te karauna ki ngā iwi i te tau 2020, i mimiti hoki te whitinga o te pūtea a te Kāwanatanga, ā, kua uta te nuinga o ngā utu ki runga i ngā iwi.

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Kua rewa ake ko tētahi rangahau hou e āta mātai nei i te pānga o ngā mahi kapa haka ki te ora o te tangata.

E ai ki a Joe Pihema, Pou Tikanga i Pūtahi Manawa, mā te whakakotahi i te ao Māori me ngā hangarau o ēnei rā, ka taea te whakaatu i ngā taunakitanga mō ngā painga hauora o te kapa haka kua roa nei te Māori e mōhio ana.

Hai tāna anō, mā tēnei rangahau e mārama ake ai te ao whānui ki te hiranga o te kapa haka ki te oranga o te tangata.

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Advocates are warning that mounting financial pressures are threatening the ability of services such as Plunket to deliver essential health services to babies, young children and whānau across Aotearoa, with frontline advocates saying staffing shortages and funding shortfalls are placing increasing strain on the country’s largest Well Child provider.

Speaking to Radio Waatea, Kelly Morrissey, an advocate and New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) National Delegate, says the organisation is struggling to maintain services despite growing demand, leaving nurses stretched and raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of community-based child health care.

The concerns come despite a commitment in the 2023 coalition agreement between the National Party and New Zealand First to ensure Plunket was funded to carry out its work effectively. However, Budget 2026 did not include a dedicated funding allocation for the organisation, leaving Plunket to continue relying heavily on community fundraising, grants and charitable support to supplement its government contracts.

One of the biggest challenges facing the organisation is pay disparity.

Plunket nurses are estimated to earn between 10 and 25 percent less than nurses performing similar roles within Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora hospitals.

Advocates say the wage gap has made it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain experienced nurses, particularly at a time when demand for healthcare professionals remains high across the sector.

The situation became more difficult following the Government’s decision in 2025 to discontinue dozens of pay equity claims, including Plunket’s claim, which was reportedly close to being lodged.

Closing the pay gap has been estimated to require approximately $10 million in additional funding.

Like many community health providers, Plunket is also facing increased operational costs driven by inflation, fuel prices and the expense of delivering home-based services across urban and rural communities.

While contract funding has continued, staff say annual increases have not kept pace with the actual cost of delivering care.

The Ministry of Health has maintained that Plunket is one of more than 60 Well Child/Tamariki Ora providers funded through collectively negotiated contracts rather than receiving its own standalone Budget appropriation.

However, nurses argue that the funding model is no longer keeping pace with demand.

Staff shortages are having a direct impact on frontline services.

Some nurses are now managing exceptionally large caseloads, with reports that individual practitioners may be supporting as many as 1,000 whānau.

The pressure has also shortened appointment times.

Nurses say they are increasingly expected to complete six to seven home visits each day, or as many as 10 clinic appointments, reducing the time available to identify developmental concerns, provide breastfeeding support, assess family wellbeing and respond to emerging health issues.

Health professionals warn that compressed appointment schedules increase the risk of vulnerable children or families requiring additional support being overlooked.

Financial pressures have already resulted in changes to services.

Plunket previously disestablished its long-running Parenting Education Programme (PEPE) as part of efforts to manage ongoing budget deficits.

Workforce shortages are also affecting the number of Well Child checks being completed.

Recent estimates suggest approximately 140 fewer infant health and development assessments are taking place every day across Aotearoa because there are not enough nurses available to meet demand.

Those checks play an important role in monitoring child development, identifying health concerns early and connecting whānau with additional support services where required.

For Māori communities, reduced access to early childhood health services has particular significance.

Well Child/Tamariki Ora services often provide one of the earliest points of contact between health providers and young whānau, supporting immunisations, nutrition, breastfeeding, safe sleep education and developmental monitoring.

Māori health advocates have consistently argued that investment in early years services is critical to improving long-term health outcomes and reducing inequities experienced by tamariki Māori throughout their lives.

Ensuring culturally responsive services remain accessible within communities is widely regarded as an important part of achieving health equity.

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation has launched a public campaign urging the Coalition Government to honour its earlier commitment to properly fund Plunket.

As part of that campaign, NZNO has issued an open letter to New Zealand First leader Winston Peters calling for additional investment to address staffing shortages and improve nurse pay.

Meanwhile, Whānau Āwhina Plunket continues negotiating funding arrangements with Health New Zealand while seeking additional income through corporate partnerships, philanthropic support and initiatives such as NZTA road safety programmes to sustain services outside its core government contracts.

For frontline nurses, however, the message is clear: sustained investment in community nursing is essential if Plunket is to continue providing the early intervention and preventative care that has supported generations of New Zealand families.

With demand continuing to grow and workforce pressures showing little sign of easing, advocates say decisions made now will shape the health and wellbeing of tamariki and whānau for years to come.

#Plunket #WhānauĀwhinaPlunket #NZNO #KellyMorrissey #ChildHealth #TamarikiOra #WellChild #MāoriHealth #HealthEquity #Nursing #PayEquity #CommunityHealth #Whānau #Healthcare #Budget2026 #EarlyIntervention #PublicHealth #Aotearoa #RadioWaatea #WaateaNews

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The push for universal free dental care has returned to the political spotlight, with the Green Party unveiling an election commitment to provide free, publicly delivered dental care for everyone in Aotearoa if elected.

The proposal has been welcomed by the Dental for All campaign, with advocates describing it as a significant opportunity to address one of New Zealand’s most persistent health inequities.

Speaking to Radio Waatea, Jasmine Taankink (Ngā Mahanga-a-Tairi, Taranaki Tūturu, Pākehā), a community advocate with Housing Action Porirua and a Dental for All campaigner, said cost remains one of the biggest barriers preventing whānau from seeking dental treatment.

She says too many New Zealanders delay routine check-ups until pain becomes unbearable, often resulting in preventable tooth loss, infections and expensive emergency treatment that could have been avoided through early intervention.

The Green Party’s proposal would create a universal publicly funded dental service, extending free dental care beyond the current system, which provides publicly funded treatment for children and teenagers up to the age of 18. Under the proposal, adults would also be entitled to free dental care delivered through a strengthened public health system.

The party has proposed funding the policy through new taxes on the country’s wealthiest individuals, arguing that oral health should be treated as an essential part of healthcare rather than an optional expense. The Greens say access to dental care should depend on clinical need, not the size of a person’s bank account.

Campaigners say the issue has become increasingly urgent as the cost of living continues to place additional pressure on household budgets.

Many families report postponing dental visits because they cannot afford treatment, while community organisations continue to see growing demand for emergency dental assistance and hardship grants.

For Māori, the challenge is even more pronounced.

Research consistently shows Māori experience poorer oral health outcomes than the general population, with higher rates of untreated tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss. Geographic barriers, affordability and longstanding inequities in access to healthcare all contribute to poorer oral health outcomes.

Advocates argue that improving access to dental care would not only reduce pain and suffering but also improve broader health outcomes.

Poor oral health has been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, adverse pregnancy outcomes and reduced mental wellbeing. Untreated dental conditions can also affect children’s education, employment opportunities and overall quality of life.

Dental for All says investing in preventative care would reduce pressure on hospitals, where people frequently present to emergency departments seeking relief from severe dental pain because they cannot afford treatment through traditional dental services.

The campaign also argues that oral healthcare should be recognised alongside GP visits, hospital care and prescription medicines as a core component of New Zealand’s publicly funded health system.

While the Green Party’s proposal has reignited debate, questions remain about implementation, workforce capacity and the long-term cost of delivering universal dental care.

Expanding public dental services would require significant investment in infrastructure, clinics and the dental workforce, with health experts noting that New Zealand already faces shortages of oral health professionals in some regions.

Nevertheless, campaigners believe the conversation has shifted.

For advocates like Jasmine Taankink, universal dental care is about more than healthier teeth.

It is about dignity, equity and ensuring no one has to choose between paying the rent, putting food on the table or seeking treatment for preventable dental disease.

As political parties continue unveiling their election policies, access to affordable healthcare—including dental care—is likely to remain a key issue for voters deciding what kind of health system they want for the future of Aotearoa.

#DentalForAll #FreeDentalCare #OralHealth #Greens #Election2026 #HealthEquity #MāoriHealth #JasmineTaankink #HousingActionPorirua #PublicHealth #PreventativeHealthcare #WhānauOra #HealthPolicy #CostOfLiving #Healthcare #Aotearoa #RadioWaatea #WaateaNews #TeAoMāori #ElectionCampaign

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Labour’s Māori Development spokesperson Willie Jackson says the country cannot afford to lose sight of the issues that matter most to whānau, arguing that Māori health, employment and economic opportunity must remain at the centre of this year’s election campaign.

Speaking to Radio Waatea, the senior Labour MP discussed a range of issues shaping the political landscape, from access to primary healthcare and rising Māori unemployment to the state of the economy and ongoing inequities within New Zealand’s health system.

Jackson welcomed Labour’s support for expanding the role of community pharmacists, saying greater access to frontline healthcare could help relieve pressure on an overstretched health system while making services more accessible for whānau.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins recently said there remains significant scope for pharmacists to provide more healthcare services, including treatment for common conditions and preventative care, reducing unnecessary visits to already busy general practices and emergency departments. The proposal is seen as one way of improving access, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

Jackson said improving access to primary healthcare is particularly important for Māori, who continue to experience poorer health outcomes and often face greater barriers to timely treatment.

The discussion also turned to the wider state of the health system following comments from Dr Lance O’Sullivan, who recently described the system as “dangerous” for Māori because of persistent inequities in access, outcomes and the ability of services to respond appropriately to Māori needs.

Jackson said those concerns reinforce Labour’s long-standing position that health equity must remain a national priority.

Māori continue to experience shorter life expectancy, higher rates of chronic illness and poorer outcomes across many health indicators, despite decades of policy initiatives aimed at closing the gap. He argued that addressing those inequities requires sustained investment in culturally responsive services and Māori-led healthcare providers.

Jackson also pointed to the latest employment figures showing Māori continue to be disproportionately represented among people receiving Jobseeker Support.

Recent data indicates the number of people receiving Jobseeker payments continues to trend upward, with Māori making up a significantly higher proportion of recipients than their share of the general population.

Jackson said meaningful employment remains one of the strongest drivers of improved health, education and long-term wellbeing, arguing that economic policy should focus on creating sustainable jobs and supporting regional development rather than simply managing unemployment statistics.

Despite continued pressure from the cost of living and subdued business confidence, Jackson acknowledged there are encouraging signs emerging in parts of the economy.

The New Zealand sharemarket has recently reached record highs, reflecting renewed investor confidence and expectations of improving economic conditions. Financial analysts attribute the gains to easing inflation pressures, stronger company earnings and expectations of lower interest rates over time.

Jackson said while strong market performance is positive, many ordinary families are yet to feel those benefits in their daily lives.

He argued that improving economic indicators must ultimately translate into better wages, more secure employment and lower living costs for households struggling with rising expenses.

As Labour continues shaping its election platform, Jackson said the party remains focused on practical policies that improve outcomes for Māori while strengthening public services for all New Zealanders.

He said the election presents an opportunity for voters to consider not only the country’s economic performance but also whether all New Zealanders are benefiting equally from growth and whether essential services—including healthcare, employment and education—are delivering equitable outcomes.

For Jackson, the challenge is ensuring Māori voices remain central to those conversations and that policies are judged not only by economic statistics but by the difference they make to whānau across Aotearoa.

#WillieJackson #Labour #Election2026 #MāoriDevelopment #MāoriHealth #HealthEquity #Employment #Jobseeker #Economy #Pharmacists #PrimaryHealthcare #CostOfLiving #NZX #HealthPolicy #TeAoMāori #Politics #Aotearoa #RadioWaatea #WaateaNews #ElectionCampaign

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At just 21 years old, Ngāti Kahu and Te Rarawa boxer Emma “Little Miss” Nesbitt is one victory away from earning the biggest opportunity of her career as she prepares to step into the ring for a WBA World Title Eliminator in Auckland.

The rising professional boxer will face Japan’s Madoka Wada in a high-stakes bout that could secure her a shot at the World Boxing Association title and cement her place among the sport’s elite.

Speaking to Radio Waatea, Nesbitt said the fight represents years of dedication, sacrifice and hard work, as she looks to become one of the latest Māori athletes to make their mark on the international boxing stage.

A world title eliminator is one of the most important contests in professional boxing.

Victory would place Nesbitt in line for a mandatory challenge for the WBA world championship, bringing her within touching distance of becoming a world champion at an age when many fighters are only beginning their professional careers.

Her opponent, Madoka Wada, brings international experience and is expected to provide one of the toughest tests of Nesbitt’s career.

The contest is expected to attract significant attention from boxing fans across New Zealand and overseas, with both fighters looking to take the next step towards a world championship.

For Nesbitt, the fight is about more than personal success.

As a proud descendant of Ngāti Kahu and Te Rarawa, she says representing her iwi and Te Tai Tokerau provides additional motivation every time she enters the ring.

Māori have produced some of New Zealand’s most respected boxers, with athletes continuing to build a proud legacy on both the amateur and professional circuits.

Nesbitt is part of a new generation seeking to inspire rangatahi by showing what can be achieved through discipline, resilience and belief.

Women’s boxing has experienced rapid growth internationally over the past decade, with increased television coverage, larger purses and greater recognition for female athletes helping transform the sport.

New Zealand has also emerged as a strong contributor to that success, producing internationally recognised fighters who have demonstrated that Kiwi women can compete with the very best in the world.

Nesbitt’s world title eliminator is another sign of the growing depth of women’s boxing in Aotearoa and the increasing opportunities available to young athletes.

Reaching this stage has required years of intensive training and competition.

Professional boxing demands not only physical conditioning but also technical precision, tactical preparation and mental resilience.

Every contest brings the risk that a single mistake can determine the outcome, making preparation as important as performance on fight night.

For a young fighter, the opportunity to contest a world title eliminator represents recognition of consistent performances and growing standing within international rankings.

Nesbitt’s journey is also likely to resonate beyond boxing.

Māori athletes continue to excel across combat sports, rugby, league, athletics and other international competitions, providing powerful role models for young people pursuing their own sporting ambitions.

Her rise demonstrates that athletes from regional communities can compete on the world stage through commitment, perseverance and strong support from whānau and their communities.

As fight night approaches, Nesbitt knows victory would open the door to the biggest opportunity of her career—a chance to compete for a world title and further strengthen Māori representation in international boxing.

For “Little Miss”, the next step is clear: one fight, one opportunity and a chance to move from rising prospect to world title contender.

#EmmaNesbitt #LittleMiss #Boxing #WorldTitle #WBA #WorldTitleEliminator #NgātiKahu #TeRarawa #MāoriSport #Hakinakina #WomenInSport #ProfessionalBoxing #TeTaiTokerau #RoadToTheTitle #NewZealandBoxing #CombatSports #Rangatahi #RadioWaatea #WaateaNews #Aotearoa

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