Cushla Tangaere-Manuel makes strategic decision

Supplied/Labour Party NZ

Waatea Team Cushla Tangaere-Manuel makes strategic decision

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Labour Māori seat campaign chair Willie Jackson says Te Tairawhiti candidate Cushla Tangaere-Manuel opted to stay off the party list.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said yesterday her nomination came too late to be considered for a list ranking, but Mr Jackson says it was a strategic choice.

“Cushla did not want to come on the list – we just got a few crossed messages yesterday, so never wanted to be ranked, wants a straight showdown with Meka Whaitiri, so we’re looking forward to that showdown,” he says.

Nanaia Mahuta in Hauraki Waikato and Soraya Peke Mason in Te Tai Hauauru also opted to stay off the list, opening spots higher up for other Maori candidates.

Mr Jackson says it was their individual choice to remove themselves, not a Māori caucus strategy.

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