May 15, 2013
Keen interest in Māori Party nomination
The Māori Party is on track to be first to name its candidate for the Ikaroa Rāwhiti by-election.
The June 29 by-election is to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Labour MP Parekura Horomia.
Nominations close at noon tomorrow, and likely contenders so far are the 2011 candidate, Na Raihania, former television broadcaster Te Rangihau Gilbert and artist Mark Kopua.
Officials say several other people have also sought application forms.
Nominees will make their case at a hui in Napier on Saturday, and a candidate should be announced on Sunday or Monday.
Labour has extended its nomination period until next Wednesday.
General Secretary Tim Barnett says several people have approached him directly, and he has heard a number of other people are interested in standing in the seat vacated through the death of MP Parekura Horomia.
He says it’s looking like being an open and vigorous competition.
Mana is also seeking a candidate.
Mr Horomia got 60 percent of the vote in 2011.
Mr Raihania came second with 23 percent and Mana's Tawhai McClutchie got 14 percent.
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