May 20, 2013
Broadcaster to seek Labour Party candidacy
Media Release by Shane Taurima.
Broadcaster Shane Taurima has confirmed that he will seek the Labour Party candidacy for the Ikaroa Rāwhiti by-election.
Mr Taurima has spent more than 18 years working in television and radio as a political reporter, current affairs presenter and Māori issues commentator.
"I was born in Napier and spent my early years growing up in Maraenui, Taradale, Greenmeadows and Kaiti, Gisborne. I am proud to be of Ngāti Kahungunu and Rongomaiwahine descent and cherish my connections with Ngāti Porou, Rongowhakaata, Ngāi Tamanuhiri and Te Aitanga ā Mahaki. I am also a proud member of the Ratana church," said Taurima.
“I worked in the Parliamentary Press Gallery for 12 years and have covered 5 general elections. I am the former co-presenter of TVNZ's political programme, Q+A and hosted the Māori current affairs programme, Marae for 8 years.
"I left the press gallery in 2009 to take up the role of Executive Producer of TVNZ's Māori news programme, Te Karere. In March 2013 I was appointed General Manager of Māori and Pacific Programmes.
"The late Parekura Horomia spoke to a number of people about entering into politics. He first spoke to me in 2007 about the 2008 election, and then again in 2011.
“As emerging Māori leaders we are often approached to take on leadership roles within our whanau, hapu and iwi.
“Given my career choice and the absolute need to be impartial, apolitical and professional I would politely decline his approaches and he respected me for that. It wasn’t my time back then. I wasn’t ready. But I am ready now.
“I have lived in the Ikaroa Rāwhiti electorate for most of my life in Gisborne, Napier and Upper Hutt. I have spent the past four years in Auckland.
“My grandparents sent me off to the big smoke to get experience, skills and knowledge. They said the time will come when you return home and put it to good use for the betterment of the people. That time has come.
"I have spoken to many people over the past two weeks and there has been one clear message.
“While we will continue to mourn, there is a lot of work to be done, and as Parekura would say, “mahia te mahi – get on with it”.
“He has left big shoes to fill. But, I don’t want to try and fill them. Nobody will ever replace Parekura. I have my own jandals to wear and a clear foot print to follow.
“I am absolutely committed to Parekura’s legacy of "feed the children, feed the people" and his firm belief that Māori success comes down to education, employment and economic development.
“It’s about providing the best possible opportunity and security for our whānau, rangatahi and pakeke.
“It’s about good paying jobs and high family living standards. It’s about quality mātauranga and hauora. It’s about secure kainga and affordable whare.
“It’s about looking after our whānau of today, to ensure a brighter future for our tamariki mokopuna of tomorrow.
“I come from a hard-working whanau who know first-hand the struggles of life, and what it means to make ends meet.
“I am in touch with grass roots and understand central government politics. I am an easy going person, who relates well to all people. I am honest, hard-working and I care about our people.
"Given my political experience, extensive networks, understanding of the issues and iwi connections, I believe I am the best person to represent Labour at the Ikaroa Rāwhiti by-election.
“I am heartened by the support that I have received from so many people and I look forward to getting out on the road and talking with Ikaroa Rāwhiti voters, kanohi ki te kanohi.
For more information please contact: s.taurima@xtra.co.nz or 021 08362676.
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