Labour confirms candidate for Te Tai Hauauru

Labour has confirmed Soraya Peke-Mason as its candidate for the Maori electorate seat of Te Tai Hauauru in next year's general election.

Ms Peke-Mason, 52, was nominated by the local Ratana branch of the Labour Party and was officially confirmed at a ceremony held at Ratana.

Ms Peke-Mason, who has spent the last nine years involved in local government and is currently a Rangitikei District councillor, said she was privileged to be named as a candidate.

"Te Tai Hauauru needs a strong new voice in Parliament, and I am going to work hard to ensure that come the general election next year I will be that strong new voice," Ms Peke-Mason said.

The current MP for Te Tai Hauauru is Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia, who has held the position since 2002.

- NZPA