Radio presenter John Tamihere says he has strong views on alcohol abuse. Photo / APN
Former Labour Cabinet minister John Tamihere's bid to test the water for a political comeback by contesting local government elections has landed him a seat on the Waitakere Licensing Trust Board, which owns and operates a chain of wholesale liquor outlets and public bars in west Auckland.
But the radio
talkback host and chief executive of the Waipareira Trust failed to win the double on Saturday and narrowly missed out on a seat on the Waitemata District Health Board, which also covers the North Shore and Rodney areas.
"I did very well in west Auckland but just could not carry the North Shore votes," he said.
Mr Tamihere, who officially rejoined the Labour Party in December, said he did no campaigning for either post, such as attending public meetings, putting up placards or handing out pamphlets, preferring to "just put my name on the ballot to see what happens".
In an advertisement in the New Zealand Herald Super City Election Guide, Mr Tamihere stated he was standing for the boards "because there has to be changes".
