Latest candidate for Waiariki seat revealed

Pat Spellman.

Tauranga identity Pat Spellman has announced he will run as the Waiariki Candidate for the NZ Independent Coalition in this year's elections.

Mr Spellman will run for a seat in the local Maori electorate Waiariki, against current MP and seasoned politician Te Ururoa Flavell.

Mr Spellman said he wanted to become more of a voice for key sectors of the community, and "to give a sense of vibrancy and youth perspective to an otherwise dated election campaign".

"Rangatahi [young] Maori in the Waiariki are growing, and shifting with the times - and we need them to be well equipped with the tools, and education necessary to stand tall. It's about breaking down the barriers between knowing and not," he said.

Mr Spellman will joined Tauranga-based Independent MP Brendan Horan under the umbrella of the NZ Independent Coalition.

"Everything I do, I do with the bigger picture in mind. So where as I might not make the podium and wave my party flag on September 20, I'm confident of the fact that my involvement will encourage debate, discussion and mobilise rangatahi Maori to become involved in the campaign, and get to the booths and vote. I want it to be for me and/or the NZ Independent Coalition - but getting them to vote is a solid first step, Ko te mea nui ko te kaupapa"

Mr Spellman said the decision followed leaving his role as a member of the Labour Party.

"I'm still totally committed to progressive politics - it's in my blood. But at this stage in my life, I needed to be the change I wanted to see, for my little brother and sister and niece and nephews - so, I opted to take up the opportunity."