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Tauranga Maori broadcaster Pat Spellman has added his paddle to former New Zealand First MP Brendan Horan’s new waka the New Zealand Independent Coalition.
The 23-year-old from Ngati Raukawa and Te Ati Awa will stand in Waiariki.
He says his campaign will highlight the continuing battle to remove what’s left of the Rena from Astrolabe Reef, enhancing the presence of te reo Maori in communities and growing the number of rangatahi Maori that get out and vote.
The coalition plans to put up 10 electorate and list candidates for September’s election.
Meanwhile Mana has named candidates for 10 general seats in the Auckland region.
They include James Papalii in Mangere, John Minto in Mt Roskill, and Unite Union organiser Joe Carolan in Mt Albert.
Three of the candidates are involved in the protest against removal of state housing from Glen Innes – Yvonne Dainty standing in Manurewa, Lisa Gibson in Tamaki and Makelesi Ngata taking on Social Development Minister Paula Bennett in Upper Harbour.
Copyright © 2014, UMA Broadcasting Ltd
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