Maori electoral campaign launched in Bay

Maori Party Napier candidate Maryanne Marsters and Ikaroa-Rawhiti candidate Marama Fox at Omahu Marae today. Photo/Duncan Brown

Maori Party co-leader Marama Fox launched her Ikaroa-Rawhiti campaign in Hawke's Bay today.

More than 100 people gathered at Omahu Marae for the official launch of Ms Fox's campaign contesting the Ikaroa-Rawhiti electorate seat.

It was also announced that Napier resident Maryanne Marsters had been selected as the Maori Party's candidate for the Napier electorate.

The Maori Party co-leader will be standing against incumbent Labour MP Meka Whaitiri for the Ikaroa-Rawhiti electorate in this year's general election.

Ms Fox said she was pleased to be able to officially launch her campaign in Hawke's Bay.

Her campaign is focused on helping Maori and Pasifika people in New Zealand because this would have a flow-on effect in helping the entire nation.

"The campaign is about move Maori; move Maori off unemployment into employment...out of homelessness into homes...move Maori to the polls," she said.

"We are the party of progress, we are not the party of protest."

Ms Marsters official Napier candidacy launch, which was due to take place alongside Ms Fox's campaign launch, has been postponed until Thursday in Auckland due to family members not being able to drive to Hawke's Bay because of weather-related road closures.

Hawke's Bay Cook Islands community president Derek Teariki said he was grateful for Ms Marsters in stepping up to the role to represent Pasifika and Maori communities.

"We support this special decision for the Maori Party...thank you for being here for us."

Ms Marsters is not available for comment until after her official launch on Thursday.

Guests were welcomed onto the marae with a powhiri before lunch, speeches and entertainment.

Ikaroa-Rawhiti is a Maori electorate formed in 1999 and covering the eastern North Island from Lower Hutt to Te Araroa.