The Labour Party's Maori council has publicly endorsed northern-based Rudy Taylor over Hauraki-Waikato MP Nanaia Mahuta for the role of senior Maori Vice President of the party.
Both candidates addressed the Labour conference this morning in Wigram ahead of tomorrow's vote.
Despite the council's preference, Ms Mahuta appeared to have stronger vocal support from the delegates.
Before their speeches, Te Kaunihera Maori president Daniel Phillips said the council had yesterday had decided its preferred choice was Rudy Taylor.
The role of senior Vice President was previously held by the late Parekura Horomia but after his death, passed a policy preference that the position not be held by a sitting MP.