Eru Kapa-Kingi

Eru Kapa-Kingi (born 1996) is a New Zealand Māori activist. He rose to prominence as a leading figure of the Hīkoi mō te Tiriti protests in 2024.

Personal life and education He was born to Mariameno Kapa-Kingi (his mother; a current member of Parliament), He grew up in Whangārei as one of three triplets.

Kapa-Kingi was the most recognisable face of the Hīkoi mō te Tiriti protests. He gave an oral submission on the Treaty Principles Bill at a parliamentary select committee in February 2025, starting by calling the process "he moumou taima''" (a waste of time).

On 2 October 2025, Kapa-Kingi announced that the Toitū Te Tiriti movement, which had organised the 2024 Hīkoi mō te Tiriti protests, would formally sever its relations with Te Pāti Māori, citing concerns about bullying, an alleged "dictatorial leadership structure," a clash of values, and the need for independence. In response, Te Pāti Māori rejected allegations of bullying and dictatorial rule, and insisted that its decision-making process was transparent and in accordance with its constitution. In response to the allegations, Kapa-Kingi issued an Instagram post stating: "I joined Te Pāti Māori as a young, passionate man with the belief I could help create a better world for our people. Instead, I learnt a long and hard lesson - power can truly corrupt people you once looked up to..." Kapa-Kingi also defended his and his mother's integrity and commitment to their people. Kapa-Kingi criticised the party leadership particularly Tamihere, accusing him of character assassination and questioning his suitability to lead the party. On 9 November, the party's national council voted to expel both Mariameno Kapa-Kingi and Ferris, with the two MPs denouncing the decision as unconstitutional and stating they would challenge it.

On 31 January 2026, Kapa-Kingi's Toitū te Aroha movement held a march on Queen Street in Central Auckland that was attended by hundreds of supporters including members of the Sikh community. Kapa-Kingi also led a haka at the end of the march.

During Waitangi Day on 5 February 2026, Kapa-Kingi used his whaikōrero (speech) to question the presence of political parties and the New Zealand Crown on the Waitangi Treaty grounds, and urged Te Pāti Māori to resolve its differences. In response, the party's co-leader Rawiri Waititi delivered an address, which Kapa-Kingi regarded as a "half-pai apology." Waititi's wife Kiri Tamihere-Waititi delivered a haka in challenge, which Kapa-Kingi later said he regarded as a spiritual attack on himself and his family. Kapa-Kingi said the confrontation destroyed all hope of reconciliation with Te Pāti Māori and that he could no longer support them.