December 08, 2022
Poll puts Potaka ahead for by-election
National’s Hamilton West candidate Tama Potaka says he’s not relying on a new poll which shows him the clear favourite.
The Taxpayers’ Union/The Working Group Curia poll of 400 people found 46 per cent of decided voters would vote for Mr Potaka, with Labour’s Georgie Dansey at 33 per cent.
The tribal executive says National has a better approach to Maori than setting up new structures like the Maori health authority.
“We do not think that is the most effective or efficient use of taxpayer dollars. We actually want to address the needs of Maori and get to those quickly, rather than promising something in five years, through a press announcement and some other things that won’t necessarily materialise. So we’re very focused on needs,” Mr Potaka says.
He says Hamilton-West is a predominantly working class electorate, and he’s identified safety and the cost of living as its major priorities.