David
SHEARER
Labour Leader

26 May 2013 MEDIA STATEMENT
Labour Leader welcomes Meka Whaitiri as Ikaroa-Rāwhiti candidate
David Shearer has today congratulated Meka Whaitiri on her selection as Labour’s candidate for the Ikaroa-Rāwhiti by-election.

“Meka Whaitiri is an outstanding candidate. She is committed to serving the people of the electorate and continuing the work of Parekura Horomia, who left a huge legacy.

“Today’s selection of a new candidate follows Parekura Horomia’s passing. He served the people of Ikaroa-Rāwhiti as their MP for 14 years. He is missed by us all.

“We don’t take the support of the community for granted. We know we will have to work hard for every vote. And we’re up to the challenge.

“The people of Ikaroa-Rāwhiti are hurting under this Government. They’re working hard and doing everything right but they’re just not getting ahead. Labour will stand up for them, and Meka Whaitiri will campaign hard to earn their trust.

“Unemployment is higher than the national average, more people are surviving on benefits, power prices have gone up and thousands of locals have bought a one-way ticket to Australia.

“Our policies will make a real difference because people are our priority. We won’t sit back like this Government and watch people suffer.

“We’ll create thousands of jobs, bring down power bills, build 100,000 affordable houses, require landlords to make sure all rental properties are warm and dry, put food in schools and give all hard-working Kiwis the opportunities they deserve,” said David Shearer.

Biographical information: Meka Whaitiri
Meka Whaitiri is the proud mother of two teenage sons. Meka was born in Manutuke and grew up in Whakatu, Hastings. Meka was Head Girl at Karamu High School and played both netball and softball at a national level. Meka started work at the local freezing works and went on to complete a Masters degree in Education from Victoria University. Meka has a strong Māori governance background and knowledge of how Government and Parliament works. She was promoted to be a senior public servant with the community education group and was also a senior adviser to the Minister of Māori Affairs. Meka has spent the past four years as the Chief Executive of Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated and is also:
• Director of Kahungunu Asset Holding Company
• Deputy Chair of Waka Ama National Board
• Member of the Hawkes Bay Netball Board
• Mandated negotiator for Rongowhakaata
• Former Chair of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Porirua and Horouta Kohanga Reo.
Meka is affiliated to Ngati Kahungunu and Rongowhakaata.

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