Rawiri Paratene stands as Green candidate

Rawiri Paratene, the actor known for his role as “Koro” in the iconic Kiwi film Whale Rider, is set to run as the Green Party candidate for Maungakiekie. His stage and screen career spans 35 years, from a children's presenter on Play School. ,to Shortland Street, and a host professional theatre productions.

He is currently developing a feature film script; a tragic love story set in Pre-European New Zealand that will be shot in the Maori Language.

Mr Paratene (Nga Puhi) aims to help encourage the party vote for the Greens, and has no intention to enter Parliament.

“My message to people is to party vote Green, I say to people ‘Vote for your kids and your grandchildren- they will thank you for it’.”

Mr. Paratene believes that the Green party is the party that comes close to his own principles, and that the Greens truly understand the long term picture.

“When you consider the founding Green principles, of ecological wisdom, or kaitiakitanga of our land and rivers and oceans, and of social justice, I believe you get to the very heart of what Tino Rangatiratanga actually means.”

“That is why I am running for the Greens. I am just doing my bit for our mokopuna – for the generations to come”.

Green Party Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons says she is very glad of Mr Paratene’s decision to offer himself as the party’s candidate for Maungakiekie.

“Clearly, we’re delighted. Rawiri is a high profile New Zealander and has a lot to offer.”

“We believe the Green Party is the only party that really takes the long term view, and it’s very heartening to have his support in getting across the message that it’s time we start taking seriously the need to act as guardians of this amazing country for others in the future.”

“This is something we believe all New Zealanders can relate to – leaving our place secure and providing for our kids – and it’s great to have Rawiri’s considerable help in talking about how we’re going to do that.”

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