Tamati Coffey selected for Labour

Tamati Coffey.

Former television presenter Tamati Coffey has been selected as Labour's candidate for Rotorua.

The 34-year-old beat off two other strong local contenders, Rotorua Lakes High School deputy principal Dr Angela Sharples and Integrated Health Services company director Hugh Kininmonth for the candidacy.

Mr Coffey said he was thrilled with the selection and was confident he could reclaim the National-held seat for Labour at this year's general election.

"I do believe we can," he said.

Rotorua is held by cabinet minister Todd McClay who won the seat with a 7357 votes majority at the 2011 election.

This year's general election will be held on September 20.