Tamati Coffey, Rawiri Waititi to run for Labour

Former TV star Tamati Coffey says he's ready to put in the hard yards when he stands for election as the Labour Party candidate for the Rotorua electorate.

The Labour Party also selected Rawiri Waititi to take on the Maori Party's Te Ururoa Flavell in the Waiariki electorate after selection meetings in Rotorua on the weekend.

The 34-year-old Mr Coffey beat two strong local candidates in Hugh Kininmonth and Dr Angela Sharples to get the nod from Labour Party members.

Mr Coffey said he was excited about being selected for Labour.

"It's been a tense few weeks working up to the selection meeting, but the process has prepared me for the bigger task at hand. I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and get into it."

He said his first task was to recruit supporters who want to help him change the government. "Then I need to get out there and talk to Rotorua's people and communities to find out what's important - so I can stand tall and represent us, with confidence, in Parliament.

"We need jobs. Labour has a bold plan to revitalise our local economy using the forestry industry ...

"We also need to engage our young people, giving them a vision, support and training or educational opportunities so they stay here - instead of taking off to Australia.

"We also need to make sure that our older people are looked after too - in happy healthy homes, with quality access to healthcare, social services and public transport - so that they feel connected to our communities."

Rawiri Waititi, 33, from Cape Runaway in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, will contest the Waiariki electorate.

Mr Waititi, who is of Te Arawa, Te Whanau Apanui, Whakatohea, Tuhoe, Ngati Awa, Tuwharetoa and Ngati Porou descent, won the nomination over Katie Paul and Ryan Te Wara.

Mr Waititi said it was a gruelling selection process and he was proud to have made the cut.

"I will be looking to establish a good team around me and ensure we put a good campaign plan to use the six months we have to do the best we can and get our key messages out there for the party.

"Nearly 50 per cent of the people in Waiariki did not vote in the last election and that needs to change.

"I think there is a lot of disenfranchised and disappointed people here who have not been represented well."

He said the Labour Party topped the party vote in Waiariki last election.

"It's time for them [voters] to put their trust in the party and their candidate.

"Our people deserve stability and fortitude. Hoki mai ke te pati reipa - come back to the Labour Party."