Raihania says Maori Party needs 'new face'

Na Raihania relaxing at home in Bridge Pa. Photo / File

Two-times Ikaroa Rawhiti electorate Maori Party candidate Na Raihania, of Bridge Pa, has no plans to stand in the General Election this year.

Mr Raihania decided against seeking the party's nomination again this year after running third in a by-election last June as the Coalition partner was buffeted in a low-vote turnout to find a replacement for the recently-passed 1999-2013 Labour MP Parekura Horomia.

Having been runner-up to Mr Horomia at the 2011 General Election, when seen as a strong personal challenger, Mr Raihania was last year beaten by new Labour candidate Meka Whaitiri and Mana Party candidate Te Hamua Nikora.

Mr Raihania said he had a talk with family after last year's result and decided it was time for someone else.

He will not be putting his name forward for a selection process which starts with a gathering for potential candidates on March 15.

"I just think it's time for a new face," he said.

The party's nominations in the electorate open two days later and a selection hui will be held on April 12.

Newly-elected Hawke's Bay District Health Board member Heather Te Au Skipworth last week confirmed she will seek the nomination.

She had been among the helpers in last year's campaign and had sought Mr Raihania's advice about the role in carrying the party's name in the electorate this year.