November 10, 2016
Halbert ready for Maungakiekie run
Labour could have another strong Maori contender in a general seat if Shanan Halbert is selected for Maungakiekie tomorrow.
Mr Halbert, who chairs the party’s Kaunihera Maori, is the established local contender against some high calibre outsiders.
The seat, which straddles Panmure, Penrose, Onehunga and Royal Oak, has been held since 2008 by National’s Sam Lotu-Liga.
Mr Halbert says the incumbent is looking tired, and changing social patterns favour its return to Labour, especially with a Maori candidate.
"The number of Maori and Pacific that live in that electorate almost makes up almost half the voting demographic. Maungakiekie is the fourth highest participating electorate in Auckland for Maori voters on the general roll," he says.
Mr Halbert says Labour’s new Ready to Work policy will help attract votes in the seat because of the number of young people there.
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