Pita Russell Sharples, CBE, (born Peter Russell Sharples, 20 July 1941), a Maori academic and politician, currently co-leads the Maori Party. He currently is the member for Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland City) in New Zealand's Parliament.
Sharples, was born in Waipawa, a town in Hawke's Bay. His 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.
He received his early education at Waipukurau District High School, but then became a boarder at Te Aute College. His four years there culminated in him becoming head boy, and he credits this time as a turning point of his life. He then attended the University of Auckland, studying education. After graduating, he remained at the University as an instructor, working as a Professor of Education. He subsequently gained an MA (1st class) in Anthropology, and later a PhD in Anthropology and Linguistics – both also from the University of Auckland.
In addition to his academic work, Sharples has long advocated a separate Maori political party. After the foreshore and seabed controversy flared in 2003–2004, Sharples joined forces with Tariana Turia, a minister in the Labour Party government who resigned over the issue. Turia and Sharples began to organise a new party based around Turia's Te Tai Hauauru seat. This eventually became launched on 7 July 2004 as the Maori Party, of which Sharples became co-leader.
In the general election of September 2005, Sharples contested and won the seat of Tamaki Makaurau, the Maori electorate covering urban Auckland, displacing former Labour MP John Tamihere.
In the 2008 general election Sharples was re-elected with a majority of more than 7000. The National Party won most seats overall and formed a minority government with support from the Maori Party, Act New Zealand and United Future. Sharples was made Minister of Maori Affairs, although like other support party members he remained outside Cabinet.
