Labour Party searches for Rotorua candidate

PHOTO/FILE

There's been plenty of interest from people looking to contest next year's general election for the Labour Party in Rotorua.

The party's Region Two chairman, Haydn Marriner, said so far there had been one formal nomination "and I have had four others contact me directly asking about the selection criteria".

He said he could not yet confirm who those people were.

Rotorua-raised singer and columnist Lizzie Marvelly has rejected speculation she may be among them.

"I'm flattered, but I can confirm that these rumours are just that - rumours," she said.

Mr Marriner, who ran for a spot on the Rotorua Lakes Council last month, also quashed suggestions he would be running for Parliament next year.

"I can guarantee that I will not be standing in any of the seats in the Bay of Plenty."

Nominations for the Labour Party's Rotorua electorate candidate close on December 6 at 4pm.

"It's all really positive and it's fair to say they are all quite high calibre candidates," Mr Marriner said.

The search for a candidate to take on incumbent Rotorua MP and Trade Minister Todd McClay began last month when former Rotorua Labour candidate Tamati Coffey was officially nominated to contest the Maori seat of Waiariki for the party.

Mr Marriner said if just one nomination was received that person would not automatically be selected - they would still need to be approved by the party.

But, if multiple nominations were received a panel would be formed, which would include local party members, members from the wider region and members of the party's New Zealand council.

"December 6 is a long way off as far as this process is concerned."

Mr Marriner added about six people had expressed interest in the Western Bay of Plenty and the Tauranga electorates.