_Maori Party Announces Te Tai Tonga Candidate:
Rahui Reid Katene
Wednesday 16 July 2008

Te Tai Tonga electorate council is thrilled to announce the successful selection of Rahui Katene to contest the Te Tai Tonga seat.

“Rahui is a Maori woman lawyer, of Ngati Koata, Ngati Kuia, Ngati Toa, Ngati Tama, Te Ati Awa, Kai Tahu whakapapa, who will be an excellent representative for the biggest electorate in the country” said Raymond Hina, Electorate Co-chair.

Te Tai Tonga comprises all of the South Island, Rakiura (Stewart Island), the Chatham Islands, Wellington and parts of the Hutt Valley as far north as Avalon.

“Rahui has had extensive experience working in Te Tau Ihu, as a lawyer, Treaty claims consultant, and former claims manager for Crown Forestry Rental Trust” said Mr Hina.

“In fact, as the daughter of respected activist, John Hippolite, one could say her entire life has been involved in advocating for positive change to advance the aspirations of Maori for the ongoing development of Aotearoa” said Glenys Papuni, Electorate Co-chair.

“We were very pleased with the increase in voting numbers across Te Tai Tonga, and the membership surge that has arisen during this process” said Ms Papuni.

Voting hui were held in Lower Hutt, Nelson, Picton, Blenheim, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Arowhenua, Dunedin, Invercargill and Arahura.

“We recognize also, that this electorate has been under considerable duress to achieve a very demanding selection process in the wake of the enormous loss of Monte Rereamoamo Ohia” said Tariana Turia, Co-leader of the Maori Party.

“We were gratified by the wide interest in applications and appreciate the dedicated commitment of all applicants in coming forward” said Mrs Turia.

“We particularly acknowledge the three applicants who made it through to selection – Rahui, Hector Matthews and Georgina Haremate-Crawford- who traveled over this weekend to hui in Wellington and Christchurch” said Dr Pita Sharples, Co-leader of the Maori Party.

“The leadership extends our congratulations to Rahui and we look forward to welcoming her to the team” ended Dr Sharples. “With our seven candidates in place we just can’t wait to get this show on the road”.

ENDS

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