July 06, 2023
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait puts hand up for Rotorua
Former Rotorua Lakes councillor and outspoken talkback host Merepeka Raukawa-Tait is standing for the Te Pāti Māori in Rotorua in October’s election.
She’s the first Māori Party candidate announced for a general seat.
Ms Raukawa-Tait says her hometown experienced unprecedented growth in employment and business in recent years, but it was also severely affected by the Covid pandemic and its accompanying lockdowns.
She says Rotorua has strong self-belief and is starting to rebuild and recover.
Ms Raukawa-Tait says Te Pāti Māori believes Māori must be in control of their own lives.
Rotorua is held by the National Party’s Todd McClay with an 825 vote majority, and is considered safe National.