May 19, 2014
Wilcox skips Tamaki Makaurau run
West Auckland school teacher Will Flavell remains the sole contender to stand for the Labour Party in Tamaki Makaurau after Maori Television executive Julian Wilcox ruled himself out.
The Party's ruling council blocked former Television New Zealand broadcaster Shane Taurima from standing after an investigation showed he had used TVNZ resources for party business.
The council was consulting with the Labour electorate committee on whether to reopen nominations, but hopes of attacting another high profile broadcaster were dashed.
Mr Wilcox yesterday made an unequivocal statement to his bosses that he is not seeking political office for any political party in the forthcoming elections and remains committed to his job as general manager of News & Current Affairs at Maori Television.
That leaves Maori Party candidate Rangi McLean the front runner in the race to replace the retiring Pita Shaples in the electorate, with the Green's Marama Davidson out to collect list votes from the seat.
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