Tauranga Labour hopeful almost sure to be MP

Tauranga Labour candidate Jan Tinetti, Bay of Plenty electorate candidate Angela Warren-Clark, Andrew Little and Waiariki candidate Tamati Coffey. Photo/File

Merivale School principal Jan Tinetti has been ranked at 14 on the Labour Party's list.

The ranking is likely to guarantee the Tauranga electorate candidate a seat in Parliament if Labour does the same or better than last time in this September's general election.

Bay of Plenty electorate Labour candidate and Tauranga Women's Refuge manager Angela Warren-Clarke is ranked at 38 and Waiariki candidate Tamati Coffey is 34.

Ms Tinetti said she was "fizzing and buzzing" about her ranking, saying she found out on Sunday but had to keep it quiet until the list was released to the public yesterday.

"I'm more excited for Tauranga, we are more likely to get another member in Parliament which can only be good for the city," she said.

She credited her background in union work and high profile as principal of Merivale School as reasons why she was included so high on the list and more or less guaranteed a seat in Parliament.

"It's a big ups to Tauranga because the Labour Party is wanting to see a presence here and is better understanding the significance and importance of the city."

The representation of women in the list was "fantastic".

"I heard someone this morning say, ' oh what a shame, they have to be on there just because they are women'. Women are on the list because they are talented and up for the job and ready to make a difference."

Since it was likely she would get a seat, assuming Labour won the same 27 electorates it now held and at least 30 per cent of the vote, her life would be changing soon.

That meant Merivale School might need a new principal, Ms Tinetti said.

"It's not something I have discussed with the board of trustees yet but we will discuss all scenarios and options for a replacement."

Ms Warren-Clarke said Ms Tinetti's placement was "a win for the community full stop".

"For me as number 38, I'm honoured the party has recognised my skills as a newcomer to the party."

If Labour received about 35 per cent of the vote Ms Warren-Clarke would be heading to Parliament.

She said one of the things she really liked about the party was the commitment to have a caucus with 50 per cent women.

"This list is evidence Labour is walking their talk."

Labour Party general secretary Andrew Kirton said Ms Tinetti was a "shining prospect" for the party.

He said she was a "community advocate" and someone well respected in the community as principal.

"She is a person of conviction and principle, she's in politics because she thinks people should have a better life."

Ms Warren-Clarke was similarly a strong advocate in the Bay.

"It was nothing against Angie, but there were other things at play like geography but we can't wait to see her continue with us and rise in the ranks," Mr Kirton said.

Who's on the list?

1 Andrew Little

2 Jacinda Ardern

3 Grant Robertson

4 Phil Twyford

5 Megan Woods

6 Chris Hipkins

7 Carmel Sepuloni

8 David Clark

9 David Parker

10 Stuart Nash

11 Priyanca Radhakrishnan

12 Raymond Huo

13 Iain Lees-Galloway

14 Jan Tinetti

15 Aupito William Sio

16 Willow-Jean Prime

17 Damien O'Connor

18 Jenny Salesa

19 Kris Faafoi

20 Kiri Allan

21 Willie Jackson

22 Clare Curran

23 Ruth Dyson

24 Poto Williams

25 Louisa Wall

26 Michael Wood

27 Ginny Andersen

28 Jo Luxton

29 Deborah Russell

30 Liz Craig

31 Marja Lubeck

32 Trevor Mallard

33 Paul Eagle

34 Tamati Coffey

35 Jamie Strange

36 Anahila Kanongata'a-Suisuiki

37 Kieran McAnulty

38 Angie Warren-Clark

39 Helen White

40 Greg O'Connor

41 Steph Lewis

42 Duncan Webb