Rotorua's Louis Te Kani is disappointed with the choice of the new Labour Party leaders but will support them in building a bold new vision for New Zealand.
The Labour Party candidate for Waiariki said the Kaunihera Maori (Maori Council) met last weekend in Rotorua and re-affirmed their commitment to
David Cunliffe and Nanaia Mahuta who were also in the leadership race.
However, at a Labour Party caucus meeting on Tuesday the party decided that David Shearer would lead the party into the future with Grant Robertson as his deputy.
"While I'm disappointed the majority of Labour's caucus have in their wisdom decided to go with David Shearer and Grant Robertson - the party had an opportunity to have an experienced and hard-working Maori member as part of the leadership to carry us through to the next election.
"This, in my view, would have signalled a fresh start and a new beginning for the party that needs to pick itself off the floor, dust itself off and work towards a Labour-led government in 2014."
