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Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins has high hopes for Te Tai Rawhiti candidate Cushla Tangaere-Manuel, despite her not being on the party list.
The list released this morning should protect ministers who are list only candidates or standing in unwinnable seats, but some of the MPs who came in on the 2020 red wave could get washed away.
The first non-MP on the list in spot 31 is Hamilton East candidate Georgie Dansey, who was the runner-up in last year’s Hamilton West by-election.
Mr Hipkins says Ms Tangaere-Manuel only came on board last month to challenge incumbent and former Labour MP Meka Whaitiri.
“Because she’s a relatively late nominee she hasn’t nominated for the list so she is running for Ikaroa Rawhiti only. I think she’s going to win that seat,” Mr Hipkins says.
Hauraki Waikato MP Nanaia Mahuta and Te Tai Hauauru MP Soraya Peke-Mason have also stayed off the list, while Willow Jean Prime and Willie Jackson’s high rankings should ensure they are back for another term.
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