Six seeking Labour’s Chch East nomination

Stuff reports:

Six people have been selected as Labour candidates for the Christchurch East by-election, which will left vacant when Lianne Dalziel resigns as she bids for the Christchurch mayoralty.

As previously revealed James Caygill, a senior manager at Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu and the son of former Finance Minister David Caygill, is one of the six, who will attempt to continue Labour’s long held stranglehold over the seat.

The other candidates are:

– Karen Hayes, a registered nurse and midwife for more than 25 years.

– Christina Laalaai-Tausa, a PhD candidate at the University of Canterbury who has lectured at the University of Samoa.

– Tina Lomax, the principal of Kingslea School for 15 years.

– Deon Swiggs, a founding member of the Canterbury Insurance Assistance Service.

– Poto Williams, the regional manager of St john of God Hauora Trust.

The selection is on 21 September.

Both Caygll and Swiggs look fairly promising (for Labour candidates!).

Don’t know anything about Hayes or Laalaai-Tausa.

Lomax was a member of the Burwood Pegasus Community Board for six years. I understand she is a well regarded principal of a school that does a lot with disadvantaged kids. She’s been there for almost 30 years.

She sought the Christchurch Central nomination in 2008 but lost to Brendon Burns, as did James Caygill.

Wiliams has a history with non-profits, and has an MBA from Southern Cross University.