February 03, 2014
McLean wants chance to succeed Sharples
The race to defend Tamaki Makaurau for the Maori Party has just got more crowded.
Sitting MP Pita Sharples is retiring, and his stepson Te Hira Paenga was widely expected to be a front runner.
Now one of Auckland’s most high profile Maori leaders, Manurewa Marae chair Rangi McLean, has put his potae in the ring.
He says he knows the area well from serving as Dr Sharples electorate chair for his first six years.
He is now trying to reinvigorate the branches, starting with Manurewa, where over the past two weeks he has convinced 70 past members to rejoin.
Nominations are expected to formally open in March, with selection in May.
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