Coffey keen to do battle with McClay

Rotorua Labour candidate Tamati Coffey (right) taking a "selfie" with Labour Party leader David Cunliffe and supporters. Photo / Stephen Parker

Rotorua Labour's candidate Tamati Coffey is throwing down the gauntlet to incumbent National MP Todd McClay.

The former television presenter was on the campaign trail yesterday as he accompanied Labour Party leader David Cunliffe in Rotorua.

Mr Cunliffe said his visit was an opportunity to support Mr Coffey and to push the party vote within the electorate.

"He has a connectability with New Zealanders ... Todd McClay should be scared," Mr Cunliffe said. "He should think about life as a list MP."

Mr Coffey said there was an appetite for change in Rotorua and he had the enthusiasm of youth on his side. "I do think he's [Mr McClay] being complacent and needs a bit of a shake-up."

Mr Coffey said having his face seen in people's lounge rooms had helped his profile, but for him, the campaign was more personal. "There's a deeper meaning than that, I've come home. For me this is my turangawaewae (place to stand)."

Mr McClay rejected any accusation he was scared of being challenged.

"There is absolutely no complacency at all. I have been campaigning hard every day for the last three years within the Rotorua community."

He listed achievements such as lower levels of crime, improvement of water quality levels, creation of trade training and other Rotorua initiatives while he has been the electorate's MP. "I am out every single day making the case of my re-election."