Mana party receives backing from big guns

Mana leader Hone Harawira (right) with Internet Mana's Kim Dotcom at Apumoana Marae. Photo / Stephen Parker

Te Arawa hapu Ngati Tumatawera helped Mana Party candidate Annette Sykes officially launch her election campaign in earnest yesterday with a spirited welcome to Apumoana Marae.

With Ms Sykes were Mana leader Hone Harawira and Internet Mana representatives Laila Harre and Kim Dotcom.

Watch: Internet Mana Party in Rotorua: Wero

The group were accompanied by about 150 supporters.

Mr Dotcom accepted the wero (challenge) on behalf of the group.

"A key goal for Mana this election is to mobilise our people to vote, especially rangatahi [youth], and win Waiariki," Ms Sykes said.

"To help with this we've got Maisey Rika, Cliff Curtis and our Mana Youth Ambassador Wairangi Koopu all lending their support for the launch and the wider campaign.

"Mana is committed to changing the government and here in Waiariki we're fully geared up for the task. We've already got our billboards up and from next week we'll be knocking on every voter's door in the electorate asking them for their support," she said.