History of Mana Movement in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 9, 2025

The Mana Movement, formerly known as the Mana Party, was a political party in New Zealand founded in April 2011 by Hone Harawira after he left the Māori Party. Harawira successfully won the Te Tai Tokerau by-election on June 25, 2011, under the Mana Party banner. He then held onto that seat in the general election of November 2011. The party's existence highlights political dynamics and representation of Māori interests in New Zealand politics.

April 2011: Formation of the Mana Party

In April 2011, Hone Harawira formed the Mana Party, originally known as the Mana Party, after resigning from the Māori Party.

April 2011: Mana Party formally launched

In April 2011, The Mana Party was formally launched on 30 April following Hone Harawira's resignation from the Māori Party. He attracted support from left-wing activist John Minto and former Green MPs Nándor Tánczos and Sue Bradford.

May 2011: Party applied for registration

In May 2011, on 24 May 2011, the Mana Party applied for registration.

May 2011: Harawira Intends to Resign Seat

On 4 May 2011, Hone Harawira announced his intention to resign his seat in Te Tai Tokerau. On 11 May 2011, He announced his resignation from Parliament, forcing the Te Tai Tokerau by-election.

June 2011: Harawira wins Te Tai Tokerau by-election

In June 2011, Hone Harawira won the by-election in Te Tai Tokerau for the Mana Party.

June 2011: Party Registration Granted

On 24 June 2011, registration was granted to the Mana Party.

September 2011: Party logo registered

In September 2011, the Electoral Commission registered the Mana Party's logo.

November 2011: Hopes for Mana MPs in Parliament

In November 2011, Harawira stated his hope that five Mana MPs would enter the 50th New Zealand Parliament after the 26 November 2011 New Zealand general election.

2011: Mana Party not funded for television airtime

In 2011, the Mana Party did not receive taxpayer-funded television airtime during the general election campaign, as it was formed after the 17 March deadline for funding applications.

2012: Protests against state housing privatisation

Since early 2012, in the Auckland suburb of Glen Innes, scores of Mana activists including Hone Harawira and John Minto have been arrested protesting the privatisation of state housing and the eviction of hundreds of residents.

June 2013: Nikora takes second place in Ikaroa-Rāwhiti by-election

In June 2013, Mana candidate and former Māori Television presenter Te Hamua Nikora came second place with 26.1% of the vote in the Ikaroa-Rāwhiti by-election.

2013: Minto stands as candidate for Auckland mayor

In 2013, John Minto stood as the Mana Party candidate for Auckland mayor in the local body elections. His flagship policy was free public transport for Auckland. Minto was the fifth-highest polling candidate, with Len Brown re-elected.

2013: Campaign against proposed motorway

In 2013, in the South Auckland suburb of Māngere, members of Mana's Māngere Branch led a campaign against a proposed motorway which would have destroyed hundreds of homes and cut across the grounds of three local schools. Mana also organised protests leading to the removal of illegal gaming machines from a fast food shop in Ōtara.

May 2014: Mana and Internet Party announce alliance

In May 2014, Mana leader Hone Harawira and Internet Party chief executive Vikram Kumar announced an alliance between the parties. Sue Bradford resigned in response. Laila Harre was named leader of the Internet Party.

2014: MANA News newspaper publication

In 2014, Mana began publishing and distributing its own newspaper called MANA News to its supporters around the country and online.

2014: Internet Party and Mana Movement Contest election

In 2014, the Internet Party and Mana Movement contested the general election as a combined entity. Mana held the first, third, and fourth places on the list. The agreement was set to remain in force until six weeks after polling day, with a review planned within five weeks of the election.

2017: Harawira fails to regain seat

During the 2017 general election, Hone Harawira failed to regain his seat in Te Tai Tokerau and was defeated by Kelvin Davis. The Mana Party took 0.1% of the party vote, which was below the five percent threshold needed to enter Parliament.