October 31, 2016
Tamati up to tough task
Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell says his brother in law Howie Tamati has the sort of high public profile and record of achievement the party needs to win back Te Tai Hauauru.
The former rugby league international was selected as candidate by a national panel on Saturday.
Mr Flavell says the party had great candidates last time but they didn’t have the name recognition needed to overcome the Labour machine.
Mr Tamati, with his sporting background and his local government experience from four terms on the New Plymouth District Council, is up to the task of defeating Adrian Rurawhe.
"Going up against an incumbent MP is always difficult but he has everything on his side in terms of pnd that gives us three candidates straight away," Mr Flavell says.
He hopes the other contender, Debbie Ngarewa Packer, sticks with the party and isrofile, in terms of connections, in terms of networks, and the feedback I have received is really positive for the fact he is now confirmed a considered for a high list placing.
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