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Download AudioLabour Leader Chris Hipkins says he’ll support Peeni Henare if the ousted MP wants a recount.
Mr Henare lost Tāmaki Makaurau to Te Pati Māori’s Takutaimoana Natasha Kemp by just four votes after special votes were counted.
He went on social media to thank his supporters and mihi to Ms Kemp – but he indicated the process would take its course.
Mr Hipkins says it was a disappointing outcome.
“He’s disappointed to see the numbers that gave him a modest margin on the night turn around on special votes. It is only four votes and as I have indicated, if he wants to call for a recount he will have my absolute support to do that,” he says.
Chris Hipkins says it’s clear many voters in the Maori electorates split their votes, giving their party vote to Labour but wanting a Māori Party voice within government.
The outcome of special votes means Labour has just one Maori seat, Ikaroa Rawhiti held by new MP Cushla Tangaere-Manuel, and one Māori MP holding a general electorate, Arena Williams in Manurewa.
Peeni Henare, Kelvin Davis, Rino Tirikatene and Willow-Jean Prime stay on as list MPs along with Willie Jackson and Adrian Rurawhe, but former Hauraki-Waikato MP Nanaia Mahuta opted to stay off the list and will leave parliament after 27 years.
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