Rotorua's Tamati Coffey believes his election as the Labour party's regional chairman is a show of support for his leadership abilities.
Labour's 'Region 2' is an area that includes three Maori and eight general electorates, from Hamilton to Taupo and up to Tauranga, from Hauraki Waikato to the Waiariki. Representatives fromeach electorate voted overwhelmingly in favour of electing Mr Coffey, Rotorua's Labour Party spokesman, to the position of regional chairman at their regional conference in Putaruru at the weekend.
Mr Coffey said following the last election Rotorua Labour realised it needed to strengthen itself better to organise and advocate. "Now having done that, we turn our heads to strengthening the wider Waikato Bay of Plenty region as we all face similar issues."
Mr Coffey said a lot of New Zealand's wealth was being taxed out in the provinces and spent by the government in the country's big cities.
"We need a strong regional policy and a government that shifts some goal posts in our favour."
Mr Coffey said he felt his election as chairman was a "strong show of support" in his ability to provide leadership for the area.
The sentiment was echoed by the Labour Party's general secretary Tim Barnett.
"Often 'Region 2' leaders come from Hamilton, so it is really good to see a different leader from a significant, progressive regional centre such as Rotorua being elected."
Mr Barnett said regional New Zealand was a renewed focus for the Labour Party and he was confident Mr Coffey would help open fresh conversations with regional business and communities leading into the party's 2016 centenary celebrations and the 2017 election.
"In his time with Labour, Tamati has shown an incredible ability to bring people together and up our standards of organising. I have every belief he will expand that role and that work in this new position."
