Mâori Party announces Na Rongowhakaata Raihania as Candidate for Ikaroa Râwhiti by-election

Saturday 18 May 2013

At the candidate selection hui held today at Ruahapia Marae at Waipatu, Hastings, Na Raihania was selected as the successful Mâori Party candidate to contest the seat on 29th June.

The selection wânanga saw three high calibre candidates present to the Mâori Party members gathered at Ruahapia; Te Rangihau Gilbert; Na Raihania and Mark Kopua.

"It has been an amazing day of kôrero; fuelled by the optimism and the energy of these three wonderful men" said Pem Bird, Mâori Party President. "All three spoke about the paramount importance of kotahitanga - the spirit of unity - that had driven them to stand for the Mâori Party".

Mr Raihania has extensive experience in tribal leadership, advocating for workers' rights, Maori health, corrections, education and Treaty negotiations.

"My greatest apprenticeship for this role has, however, been learning from the inspiration and influence of my father, Nolan. Dad served in the Mâori Battalion C Company in 1944, and returned home, determined to honour the service of his friends and whânau, by devoting his life to the community. I have learnt from him, that the people come first and foremost".

The hui was buoyed by some exciting results from recent polling, revealing that at the start of this campaign, it is a two way race between the Maori Party and the Labour Party .

"A particular strength for us, is the fact that Na had such a brilliant practise run in the 2011 campaign, and we intend to build on that experience and the excitement of today's turnout, to bring home a Mâori Party member of parliament for Ikaroa Râwhiti" said Hon Tariana Turia, co-leader of the Mâori Party.

"Na brings with him the richness of a whakapapa that extends from Ngati Horowai, Ngati Rangi, Ngati Ira, Te Whanau a Ruataupare, Rongowhakaata, Te Aitanga a Mahaki, Ngai Tamanuhiri, Rakaipaaka, Rongomaiwahine and Ngati Kahungunu" said Hon Dr Pita Sharples. "He is a man of and from the people and the land of this electorate".

"The Mâori Party want to acknowledge both Te Rangihau and Mark for participating in the nomination process. Both of these men display leadership qualities, integrity and absolute commitment to advancing Mâori aspirations. We were so impressed with all three candidates that it was indeed a nail biter today."

ENDS

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