South Auckland 'stalwart' to replace Sharples as candidate

Rangi McLean. File photo / Dean Purcell

The Maori Party has selected South Auckland "stalwart" Rangi McLean to replace Pita Sharples as its Tamaki Makaurau candidate in this year's election.

It also chose educationalist and Susan Cullen as its candidate for Hauraki Waikato.

Party President Naida Glavish said Mr McClean was "a stalwart of South Auckland. He has lived in the heart of the electorate for over forty years and has held a number of governance roles in the electorate".

"I have known Rangi for a long time. He is an outstanding candidate and is regarded as an authority on tikanga and Maori cultural matters" said Mrs Glavish.

Tamaki Makaurau electorate co-chair George Ngatai acknowleged Dr Sharples.

"He has represented us proudly over these last nine years, and we are pleased that we have selected a candidate in Rangi who can and will build on the foundation that he has laid in Tamaki Makaurau."

Meanwhile, Mrs Glavish said the party was "extremely proud" that Ms Cullen would be representing the Maori Party in the Hauraki Waikato electorate.

"She is a dynamic, entrepreneurial, and staunch Maori woman. Susan has been a strong advocate for Maori education, particularly focusing on access to education, and the provision of culturally attuned education options for a diverse range of New Zealanders."