May 23, 2014
Sharples stepson keen to run
The Maori Party picks its Te Taitokerau candidate tomorrow.
Whoever is chosen is likely to come third in what is likely to be a close contest between incumbent Hone Harawira and Labour’s Kelvin Davis.
That’s not putting out Hato Petera assistant principal Te Hira Paenga, who was unsuccessful in his bid to succeed his stepfather Pita Sharples as the Party’s candidate in Tamaki Makaurau.
Dr Sharples says he’ll be going to Whangarei to support Mr Paenga.
"He’s a deacon in the church and he’s got two or three degrees plus Panekiretanga, the Maori language degree. He trains about four kapa haka at once and does some work for other organisations as well so he keeps himself very busy and he’s got five children and now he wants to have a go at politics," he says.
Dr Sharples says having a strong family behind you is essential in politics.
Copyright © 2014, UMA Broadcasting Ltd