Youth MP Taiko Edwards-Haruru Profile

By Emelie Wissel, Youth Press Gallery, Youth Parliament 2025

Photo Caption: Taiko Edwards-Haruru, Youth MP

Seeing what the struggles identity, mental health, and pressure can do to youth, Taiko Edwards-Haruru strives to be the voice for those who did not get the mic. Being a vision of what leadership and action can look like for youth.

Since a young kid Taiko had this internal push to help others. Not like others who may have inspired to be an astronaut, he wants to lead, to stand for something, and to make people feel seen.

“A place of strong roots and deep stories” writes Taiko about his home. He is Tūhoe through his mum and carries many other stories through his dad with both connections to the Cook Islands (Rarotonga and Aitutaki), Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, and a bit of German and Italian. He anchors these parts of his diverse identity to “represent a village of voices” every time he speaks and acts. Carrying these voices with pride and strength.

He starts his day with the most important meal of the day, breakfast. Beginning the day with a foundation that can support and prepare him for the day and what may arise. Once he arrives at his high school in Whanganui, he stays active in cultural leadership, community service, and youth advocacy. Not only does he stay active in these services, but also in his local politics. Consistently, he updates himself by following councils and MPs online alongside listening to the kōrero around him. Without the people he says, politics would have nowhere to start.

Taiko believes that where politics needs to focus itself for youth, particularly Māori and Pasifika identities, is mental health and equity in education.

“We’re powerful, creative, and resilient, but the systems don’t always reflect or support that. I’m passionate about challenging that.”

Taiko packs in a lot in his weekends. Football in the mornings of Saturday, followed by rugby in the afternoon. Sunday, he prioritises recharging his energy. Attending church, reflecting, and preparing for the week ahead. Somehow, he always tries to find room for a bit of golf both days.

He approaches the question of ‘how can government organisations use sport and physical activity to improve the lives of young people?’ with one word, connection. Stating that his community would struggle with this question due to access. “Not everyone can afford the fees, the gear, the transport. The opportunities are there, but the system’s not set up for everyone to reach them.”

Do not underestimate this Youth MP. Inspired by his ancestors and cultures daily, he will not back down from a challenge. Taiko acts with intention and faith, knowing he comes from navigators, fighters, survivors, and builders. He is here to bridge his identity to help those without voices to cross and be heard. Taiko stands firm in his beliefs, grounded and confident, unwilling to compromise his values. 

“He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata.” - What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people