New Zealand Labour Party general secretary Rob Allen said today the party had received nine nominations for the Labour candidacy in the Waimakariri electorate.

The selection contest this Saturday follows the appointment of Mike Moore as director-general of the World Trade Organisation. Mr Moore's resignation as an MP takes effect on 31 August.

Mr Allen said the party was faced with a highly competitive selection contest.

"It has been a real blow to lose Mike Moore, but the calibre of the nominees tells me that his successor will carry on the tremendous work Mike has done in this loyal Labour electorate," Mr Allen said.

The nominees are:

Peter Allen Rangiora School Principal

Peter Calvert Christchurch School Teacher

Glen Cameron Kaiapoi Organiser

Clayton Cosgrove Auckland Telecommunications mgr

Gordon Duncan Auckland Management Consultant

Maureen Little Kaiapoi Textile Worker

Mandy Neil Christchurch School Teacher

Lesley Soper Invercargill NZEI Field Officer

Stephen Wright Christchurch Ambulance Driver

The selection meeting will be held on Saturday 21 August at the Kaiapoi High School auditorium, Ohoka Road, Kaiapoi.

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