Mita Ririnui

Mita Michael Ririnui was a New Zealand politician and a member of the Labour Party. He was a member of parliament from 1999 to 2011.

Early years

Ririnui was born in Tauranga. He obtained his education from Tauranga Boys' College, Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, University of Waikato and Massey University. Before entering politics, Ririnui worked for a number of notable Maori community organisations including Te Puni Kōkiri, and he is a registered minister of the Rātana church.

Member of Parliament

Ririnui was originally elected to Parliament as the MP for the Māori electorate of Waiariki, winning the 1999 elections from Tuariki Delamere. However, in the 2005 election, he lost his electorate seat to Te Ururoa Flavell of the Māori Party and remained in Parliament as a list MP.

Ririnui became a Minister outside Cabinet in 1999, having Associate Ministerial roles in the Corrections, Health, and Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, and Forestry portfolios. He also chaired the Labour Party's internal Maori Caucus.