Marama Davidson selected to stand in Tāmaki Makaurau for Greens

Marama Davidson, Ngāti Porou, Te Rarawa,Ngāpuhi, has been selected as the Green Party candidate for the hotly contested and vacant seat of Tāmaki Makaurau , party Co-leader Metiria Turei announced tonight.

Ms Davidson has worked for the Human Rights Commission as an educator, is a writer and well-known commentator in Māori media and is currently working for the Owen Glenn Inquiry into family violence and child abuse.

Ms Davidson is the mother of six children and is the daughter of actor Rawiri Paratene.

"Marama is an exceptional candidate who will undoubtedly grow the Green Party vote in Tāmaki Makaurau ,” said Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei.

"Marama has a strong personal following and represents a bold new wave of Māori leaders.

“With so many Māori leaders leaving parliament at the end of this term it is great to have someone of Marama’s calibre in with a chance of replacing them.

"Marama has demonstrated commitment for many years as a staunch defender of indigenous rights, particularly for women and children. She is passionate and informed and will be a great addition to parliament.

"The Green Party is taking Tāmaki Makaurau seriously. At this point the electorate is wide open and we are committed to growing our party support in the Māori electorates,” said Mrs Turei.

"I am standing for Tāmaki Makaurau to continue my passion for social justice and protecting our environment," said Green Party candidate Marama Davidson.

“I am an active advocate for the wellbeing of whānau, hapu and iwi from a kaupapa Māori perspective. My lens is from a wāhine Māori viewpoint that seeks to reclaim collective caring of our planet and our people.

“It’s time for new Green and Māori leadership. For Maori, it's worth remembering that a party vote for the Green’s is the best way to achieve real change and a strong voice in a new government.

“There is an absence of Māori women across mainstream political spheres, yet our input is essential to a better future. The Green Party enjoys a reputation of presenting strong Māori women and I am keen to uphold that.

“There is much for Aotearoa to gain in the alignment between Tangata Whenua visions and Green Party aspirations.

“Green Party advocacy on welfare reform, the environment, asset sales, poverty and housing are some of the examples of where I see reciprocal strengthening of both a kaupapa Māori approach and Green Party goals.

“I am looking forward to the election campaign and increasing the Green Party vote,” said Ms Davidson.
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