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Hauraki-Waikato MP Nanaia Mahuta says she is still backing David Cunliffe as Labour’s next leader, despite the party’s kaunihera Maori backing Shane Jones for the job.
Mr Cunliffe, Mr Jones and current deputy leader Grant Robertson were on the road this weekend putting their case to members as to why they were the best suited to take on John Key at the next election.
Ms Mahuta, who stood on a ticket with Mr Cunliffe at the last leadership election 20 months ago, says he is still the best qualified.
"I think what David has is an ability to argue the alternate economic vision that Labour can bring that will be better for everyone, an economic development strategy that can reach deep into the regions, and not see solutions just based in Auckland and Wellington and Christchurch," she says.
Ms Mahuta says David Cunliffe has represented the diverse electorate of New Lynn for four terms, and he also has more cabinet experience than his rivals.
Labour’s senior Maori vice-president, Haare Williams, says the party’s Te Kaunihera Maori unanimously endorses Shane Jones to become the next leader.
He says it believed he has the qualities to unite the Party and caucus, win the 2014 election and deliver a Labour-led Government.
Mr Williams says voter turn out in the last election was the lowest in a century, and Te Kaunihera Maori believed Mr Jones has the ability to inspire and motivate peoples throughout the ‘motu’ to participate in political decision making processes.
Copyright © 2013, UMA Broadcasting Ltd
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