December 15, 2016
Little endorses Henare keeping Tamaki Makaurau
Labour leader Andrew Little is squelching speculation Tamaki Makaurau MP Peeni Henare could be pushed onto the list to make way for a high profile Maori in the seat.
Radio New Zealand reported a suggestion Waipareira leader John Tamihere, who previously lost the seat to Pita Sharples, or singer Moana Maniapoto could challenge.
Both had been tipped as possible Maori Party contenders.
Mr Little says the speculation sounds like Maori party strategising rather than a real political option.
"Peeni is a fantastic MP. He's a big advisor to me on issues Maori. And he's somebody who doesn't just operate in Tamaki Makaurau but in a range of other areas too. That's very important for Labour to have someone of Peeni's skills and standing to be able to front up and speak for us," he says.
Andrew Little says he has pushed Mr Henare up the ranks because he is such a good performer.
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