12 Facts About Pita Sharples

Pita Sharples was the member of Parliament for the Tamaki Makaurau electorate in Auckland from 2005 to 2014.

Pita Sharples stepped down as co-leader of the Maori Party in July 2013.

Pita Sharples's mother Ruiha was of Ngati Kahungunu, and his father Paul was a shearer and a second generation New Zealander whose family came from Bolton, United Kingdom.

Pita Sharples received his early education at Waipukurau District High School, but then became a boarder at Te Aute College.

Pita Sharples then attended the University of Auckland, studying education.

Pita Sharples strongly opposed the construction of Auckland Thermal No 1, a gas-fired power plant proposed for Te Atatu Peninsula.

In 1984 Pita Sharples led the kapa haka at the powhiri of the Te Maori exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Turia and Pita Sharples organised a new party based around Turia's Te Tai Hauauru seat which was launched on 7 July 2004 as the Maori Party with Pita Sharples as co-leader.

Pita Sharples was appointed as Minister of Maori Affairs, although like other support party members he remained outside Cabinet.

Pita Sharples was returned to parliament in the 2011 general election, and retained the Maori Affairs portfolio.

Pita Sharples resigned as co-leader of the Maori Party in July 2013, and retired from Parliament at the 2014 election.

Pita Sharples was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, for services to the Maori people, in the 1990 Queen's Birthday Honours.