Poto Williams selected as Labour candidate for Christchurch East

Poto Williams (second from right) has been selected to represent Labour in Christchurch East. Photo / Twitter @Megan_Woods

Poto Williams has been selected by the Labour party to be the candidate for the Christchurch East electorate following the resignation of Lianne Dalziel.

Labour Party president Moira Coatsworth the Christchurch East electorate needed an MP who understood what people had been through and Ms Williams was a "strong candidate'' who would make things happen for local people.

"She comes from a community background and will advocate strongly for the people of Christchurch dealing with insurance companies, EQC, housing shortages, new schools, and a range of other issues.

"The campaign will now be in full swing as we continue talking to the Christchurch East Community to ensure we're representing their views.''

Ms Williams said she encouraged people to take interest in the by election to make sure their needs and priorities were heard and understood.

"Christchurch East is a fantastic area and I look forward to the coming weeks and a campaign where I can meet and talk to more people about how we can best take take the views of the electorate to Wellington to get things done.''

Labour Leader David Cunliffe said Ms Williams would be a "fantastic local voice for this community'' and would continue Ms Dalziel's work.

"Poto Williams is passionate about the future of Christchurch. She moved here to work with the community and help them through the long road ahead. Her work in the community and NGO sector means she knows what needs to be done to get the rebuild moving.''

Since the first of two major earthquake to hit the region, some residents were still waiting on insurance settlements, struggling with the Earthquake Commission or dealing with the cost of housing, Mr Cunliffe said.

"Poto Williams is a Christchurch East local, living in New Brighton. She understands the challenges and knows what needs to be done to get things moving.''