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Labour MP Louisa Wall says the party’s list signals its commitment to equity.
Ms Wall the second highest ranked Maori at number 12, behind Nanaia Mahuta.
If she had stayed off as she did last election it may have helped candidates like Kelvin Davis and Willow Jean Prime reach a higher spot.
But she says it’s important the list allows Labour to reach its target of 45 percent of the caucus being women, without sacrificing its commitment to Maori, with five of the top 20 being Maori.
"That was the consideration which was a broader appeal to the constituents of New Zealand so they would give Labour the party vote and I think if any Maori voter haas questioned Labour's commitment to Maori, this list refutes any forms of tokenism," she says.
Louisa Wall says the list is merit-based.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH LOUISA WALL CLICK ON THE LINK
http://www.waateanews.com/play_podcast?podlink=MTk0Mjk=
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