The Maori Party has announced its list of 24 candidates to contest the 2014 General Election - with Tame Iti at seven and Rotorua's Eraia Kiel at eight.
"The list is headed by our co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell, and followed by two brilliant young candidates, number two being Marama Fox (Ikaroa Rawhiti) and in third rank, Chris McKenzie (Te Tai Hauauru)" said Ken Mair, co vice-president of the Maori Party.
"Marama of Ngati Kahungunu, Ngati Porou and Rangitane is an educational leader who has taught at kohanga reo, kura kaupapa, wharekura and general education as well as in an advisory role in the Ministry of Education. Chris McKenzie has earnt his reputation in iwi leadership as a negotiator for Ngati Raukawa as well as having been actively involved in language revitalisation.
"Rangatahi representation is a key focus of the list; 60 per cent of the top 10 being under the age of 45 years," said Donna Gardiner, co vice-president.
"The two youngest on the list, Reverend Te Hira Paenga, of Te Tai Tokerau (4) and Anaru Kaipo standing in the Whangarei seat (9), are both 32 years of age; with Eraia Kiel (37 years old) placed at number eight.
"The list also comprises women who have made significant contributions at a local government and community level" said Ms Gardiner. "Ngaire Button, former Christchurch deputy mayor is in 5th; Nancy Tuaine, chief executive of Te Oranganui in Whanganui is in 6th and Raewyn Bhana, who has devoted years of service towards supporting survivors of sexual abuse in the South Auckland community. Raewyn is also the national co-ordinator of the Maori and Indian Association."
"Activist and Tuhoe champion, Tame Iti is placed seventh on the list; with the original 'Kia Ora' lady, Ngati Whatua leader, Naida Glavish placed 11th," Mr Mair said.
There are 24 candidates on the list; with 17 contesting General Electorate seats throughout the country. The Maori Party has targeted the seven Maori electorate seats, with each of the Maori electorate seats having running mates alongside them in the general electorates.
Maori Party List
1. Te Ururoa Flavell (Waiariki)
2. Marama Fox (Ikaroa Rawhiti)
3. Chris McKenzie - Te Tai Hauauru
4. Te Hira Paenga (Te Tai Tokerau)
5. Ngaire Button (Te Tai Tonga)
6. Nancy Tuaine (Whanganui)
7. Tame Iti
8. Eraia Kiel
9. Anaru Kaipo (Whangarei)
10. Raewyn Bhana (Manurewa)
11. Rangimarie Naida Glavish
12. Aroha Reriti-Crofts (Waimakariri)
13. Hinurewa Te Hau (Upper Harbour)
14. Tom Phillips (Hunua)
15. Verna Ohia-Gate (Tauranga)
16. Ann Kendall (Papakura)
17. Hiria Pakinga (Coromandel)
18. Claire Winitana (Taupo)
19. Ra Smith (Wairarapa)
20. Lenis Davidson (Christchurch Central)
21. Tania Mataki (Christchurch East)
22. Sheryl Gardyne (Selwyn)
23. Te Whe Ariki Phillips (Wigram)
24. Benita Wakefield (Ilam)