Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke Bio: Ethnicity, Age, Elections, Parents, Net Worth, Politics, Husband, Awards

Hana-Rāwhiti Kareariki Maipi-Clarke, professionally known as Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke, is a New Zealand politician and Member of Parliament for the Hauraki-Waikato electorate, representing Te Pāti Māori since the 2023 general election.

At age 21 upon election, she became the youngest MP in New Zealand in nearly 170 years and the second-youngest ever, following in a long line of Māori activists in her family.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Hana-Rāwhiti Kareariki Maipi-Clarke
• Stage Name: Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke
• Born: September 2002
• Age: 23 years old
• Birthplace: New Zealand
• Nationality: New Zealander
• Occupation: Politician, Member of Parliament
• Height: 1.65m
• Parents: Potaka Maipi
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: None
• Children: None
• Relationship: Not married
• Net Worth: $500,000

Early Life and Education

Hana-Rāwhiti Kareariki Maipi-Clarke was born in September 2002 in New Zealand and was raised on Auckland’s North Shore before moving to Huntly in the Waikato region at age 11.

Although her parents separated before her birth, she credits strong co-parenting and the influence of her mother and grandmother.

She affiliates with several iwi—Waikato Tainui, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou, Te Āti Awa, and Ngāi Tahu—and comes from a family with a strong legacy of activism, including her ancestor Wiremu Katene and her grand-aunt Hana Te Hemara.

Maipi-Clarke attended Te Wharekura o Rākaumangamanga in Huntly, a Māori immersion school, where she completed her education with a focus on te reo Māori and cultural knowledge; her ethnicity is Māori, and her religion is not publicly disclosed.

Career

Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke entered public life early through community activism, including running a māra kai (community garden) in Huntly that taught children about maramataka (the Māori lunar calendar) and authoring a book on the topic at age 17.

Her political involvement began with local iwi representation and youth engagement, leading her to stand as Te Pāti Māori’s candidate for Hauraki-Waikato in the 2023 election.

Campaigning on Māori rights and sovereignty, she defeated incumbent Labour MP Nanaia Mahuta by 2,911 votes, entering Parliament as the youngest sitting MP in 170 years.

In Parliament, Maipi-Clarke quickly made headlines with her maiden speech incorporating a haka and later leading a viral protest haka in November 2024 against the Treaty Principles Bill, which sought to reinterpret te Tiriti o Waitangi.

The action drew global attention to Māori issues, resulted in suspensions for her and colleagues, but reinforced her role as a bold advocate.

She serves on select committees like Māori Affairs and focuses on bills, projects, and cross-party work to protect Indigenous interests.

Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke continues as a prominent voice for Māori youth and sovereignty within Te Pāti Māori’s opposition benches.

Her influence extends through social media, international recognitions like TIME100 Next, and ongoing efforts to revive Māori culture and language while challenging colonial legacies.

She remains dedicated to whānau-centered politics and empowering the next generation.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @hana_rawhiti

Personal Life

Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke maintains a private personal life centered on her whānau and cultural roots, often highlighting the support of her parents who are involved in her parliamentary team.

No public details exist about romantic relationships, marriage, or children. Her lifestyle revolves around community work in Huntly, advocacy, and balancing parliamentary duties with cultural practices like gardening by maramataka.

Net Worth

Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke has an estimated net worth of around $500,000. As a relatively new Member of Parliament, her primary income comes from her parliamentary salary and allowances, supplemented by any prior community or book-related earnings.