Pita Sharples
Dr. Pita Sharples (20 July 1941 - ) is a Maori academic and politician. He is currently co-leader of the Maori Party, although unlike the other co-leader, Tariana Turia, Sharples is not currently a member of New Zealand's parliament. Sharples was born in Waipawa, a town in Hawke's Bay. He is of the Ngati Kahungunu iwi. He was educated at Waipukurau District High School and then at Te Aute College, a prominent Maori school. He then attended the University of Auckland, studying education. After graduating, he remained at the University as an instructor, and is currently Professor of Education. In addition to his academic work, Sharples has long been an advocate of a separate Maori political party. When the foreshore and seabed controversy arose, Sharples joined forces with Tariana Turia, a minister in the Labour Party government who resigned over the issue. Turia and Sharples began to organize a new party based around Turia's Te Tai Hauauru seat. This eventually became the Maori Party, which Sharples became co-leader of. Sharples will contest the Tamaki Makaurau electorate in the next elections.
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