Hawkes' Bay was the host of an important Maori Party event at the weekend.
More than 100 people gathered at Omahu Marae on Saturday for the official launch of Maori Party co-leader Marama Fox's campaign contesting the Ikaroa-Rawhiti electoral seat.
It was also announced that Napier resident Maryanne Marsters, who ran for Napier City Council last year, had been selected as the Maori Party's candidate for the Napier electorate.
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Ms Fox will be standing against incumbent Labour MP Meka Whaitiri for the Ikaroa-Rawhiti electorate in this year's general election, which was held by Labour's Parekura Horomia until his death in 2013.