High list place for Tabuteau

Fletcher Tabuteau is number four on the New Zealand First party list. Photo / File

NZ First man thrilled to be number four

Rotorua's New Zealand First candidate Fletcher Tabuteau says he's "thrilled" by his high list placing, which could well see him win a seat in Parliament.

The party yesterday released its list for the election, with Mr Tabuteau at number four.

Mr Tabuteau has been with the party 21 years and is standing in his fourth election. In 2011 he was ranked number 11 on the list and said he was hoping to be higher this time around.

"It [number four] is amazing. It's thrilling, that's a good word for it," he said.

"It's a great nod from the leadership of the party."

If the party reaches the five per cent threshold, Mr Tabuteau will be assured of entering Parliament. Last week it polled 4.3 per cent however several other polls had the party just at the five per cent it needs.

Mr Tabuteau's previous experience includes 10 years' secondary school teaching as well as more than two years in a management role at Waiariki Institute of Technology.

He has been a lecturer in economics, strategy and marketing "with a penchant for macro economics".

This meant he perhaps had a skillset the party wanted.

He said he would like to think New Zealand First would get the five per cent of the party vote it needed.

Mr Tabuteau, who is Rotorua born and bred, said locals could consider voting strategically for their preferred MP and giving New Zealand First their party vote. Having an extra Rotorua-based MP in Parliament would be great for the city, he said.

"I am passionate about getting in there," he said.

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters said Mr Tabuteau was a person of "personal ability who will do well".

The party said its list was "a balance of experience, youth, skill and ability".

"These candidates, many of whom will be in Parliament after the election, will seriously contribute to New Zealand First's success in 2014 and will importantly prepare the party for the 2017 election as well," he said.
New Zealand First list:

1 Rt Hon Winston Peters,
2 Tracey Martin,
3 Richard Prosser,
4 Fletcher Tabuteau,
5 Barbara Stewart,
6 Clayton Mitchell,
7 Denis O'Rourke,
8 Pita Paraone,
9 Ron Mark,
10 Darroch Ball,
11 Mahesh Bindra,
12 Ria Bond,
13 Mataroa Paroro,
14 Romuald Rudzki,
15 Jon Reeves,
16 Asenati Lole- Taylor,
17 Brent Catchpole,
18 George Abraham,
19 Ray Dolman,
20 Hugh Barr,
21 Anne Degia Pala,
22 Steve Campbell,
23 Edwin Perry,
24 Bill Gudgeon,
25 Brent Pierson.