Su’a William
SIO
Pacific Island Affairs Spokesperson

30 April 2014 MEDIA STATEMENT

Labour backs young, gifted Pacific candidates

Labour’s Pacific Island Affairs spokesperson, Su’a William Sio is thrilled at the selection of five strong Pacific candidates in the Auckland region.

“I am absolutely delighted that the Labour Party has chosen strong Pacific candidates to contest the newly established seats of Kelston and Upper Harbour, and the South Auckland electorates of Mangere, Manukau East and Papakura.

“South and West Auckland is where the majority of Pacific people live and the selection of these candidates shows our community that Labour takes the dreams and aspirations of our people seriously.

“All these candidates have strong links to the Pacific community including professional organisations, church and cultural groups. They represent the new breed of Pacific Labourites – young, intelligent, gifted and able to walk in both palagi and Pacific worlds.

“Another seven Pacific candidates are competing for a List placing in the Auckland region.

“Combined with my fellow Pacific MPs Kris Fa’afoi in Mana and Poto Williams in Christchurch East, it means Labour will have a strong Pacific presence going into the September election and will work hard for the community when in Government.”

Carmel Sepuloni, CEO of Vaka Tautua and a former Labour MP, will contest the newly established seat of Kelston.

Jerome Mika, an experienced unionist with strong links to the Samoan religious community will stand in Papakura.

Jenny Salesa, a senior Pacific Advisor for TEC, will be standing for Labour in Manukau East following Ross Robertson’s retirement.

Lemalu Herman Retzlaff, a High Court solicitor and president of the Pacific Law Association, will contest the newly established seat of Upper Harbour.

© Scoop Media