April 30, 2014
Last chance for Tamaki nominations
Labour has again extended the deadline for nominations for its Tamaki Makaurau candidate until Monday at 5pm.
General secretary Tim Barnett says he does not envisage any further extensions, as TVNZ has indicated its report on the actions of potential candidate Shane Taurima will be released next week.
Mr Taurima quit as head of the broadcaster’s Maori and Pacific unit when it was revealed that TVNZ premises were used for a meeting of Labour’s Tamaki Makaurau branch.
Mr Barnett says if Mr Taurima puts his name forward, the selection panel will have to consider that report along with other factors.
He said party policy is not to release the number of nominations before the deadline.
Maori Television executive Julian Wilcox is also being seen as a potential candidate.
The delay in selection means the Maori Party will get its candidate in the race first.
A hui on Sunday will choose between Manurewa Marae chair Rangi McLean, Hato Petera deputy principal Te Hira Paenga, who is incumbent Pita Sharples’ stepson, and educationalist Bronwyn Yates.
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