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Download AudioLabour leader Chris Hipkins has singled out Waiariki’s Toni Boynton as one of the strong Māori candidates coming through on the party list.
At number 39 Ms Boynton is the second-highest non-MP on the list behind Hamilton East candidate Georgie Dansey at 31, who has been rewarded for her stand for Hamilton West in last year’s by-election.
From Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Awa, Tamakaimoana, Te Arawa, Ngāti Kahu and Te Rarawa, she’s on the Whakatane District Council representing the Kapu te Rangi Māori ward, and previously organised the petition calling for a law change to stop veto votes against Maori wards.
“Toni Boynton, she’s got a very strong background advocating for Māori, a strong local government background so real involvement in activism at that level which I think will be a real addition. I think we’ve got really strong Māori candidates coming forward in this list,” Mr Hipkins says.
Other highlights of the Labour list include Willie Jackson at number 8 and Willow Jean Prime at number 9, ensuring their return to parliament, and the fact Hauraki Waikato MP Nanaia Mahuta, Soraha Peke-Mason in Te Tai Hauauru and Cushla Tangaere-Manuel in Ikaroa Rawhiti stayed off the list so must win their seats.
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