Raihania on the campaign trail

Maori Party's Na Raihania met local Maori businesses and providers at a business breakfast at Iberia Cafe yesterday.

He is campaigning for the Ikaroa-Rawhiti electorate seat, left vacant by the late Parekura Horomia, which will be decided by Maori voters at the end of this month.

Maori Party MP Te Ururoa Flavell came to the breakfast as well as local Maori leaders.

Mr Raihania said the Maori Party is already delivering on its promises and voting for him will mean it will continue to have an influence in central government.

The party's relationship with National means if he is elected, he would be "at the decision-making table" straight away.

"We are delivering right now.

"If people vote for the other parties, it'll be three long winters before any of the promises they make happen."

Based in Hastings, he is married with four adult children and grandchildren, and has a background in unions.

A keen cyclist, he has made it a priority to be healthy and has lost a total of 50 kgs.

He said addressing poverty, health, getting young people into jobs, supporting small business and dealing with environmental issues are some of his main action points. "I know how tough life can be, I'm giving people the hope for the future."

Voters are not necessarily looking for a corporate person, they want someone real, he said.

In the 2011 election, Mr Raihania came second behind Mr Horomia.