Te Pāti Māori co-leader's mother dies, party withdraws from powerbrokers' debate

Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer has announced the death of her mother, Colleen Ngarewa. In a post, Ngarewa-Packer described her mother as a beloved Nan, Mum, wife, sister and aunty, according to The Press.

Her mother died at the whānau (family) home in Patea, surrounded by whānau and friends, RNZ reported.

Ngarewa-Packer had already stepped back from the campaign. In September, 1News reported that she had withdrawn from election debates and scaled back her campaign as her mother became unwell. A social media post from her campaign team said she would be withdrawn from upcoming political debates because of her mother's illness.

Te Pāti Māori will not take part in the powerbrokers' debate following the death, RNZ reported. The NZ Herald reported that the party had pulled out of the Herald's powerbrokers debate, leaving ACT, NZ First, the Opportunity Party and the Green Party to face off.

The debate was hosted by Ryan Bridge and featured the leaders of ACT, the Green Party, New Zealand First and the Opportunity Party.

Election day is 7 November.