Labour picks Henare

No not that one!

Stuff reports:

Labour has finally chosen its election candidate for the crucial Tamaki Makaurau seat: former sports commentator Peeni Henare.

They were determined to have a broadcaster!

Henare, the great grandson of former Northern Maori MP Tau Henare was selected this afternoon to contest the Auckland Maori electorate.

President Moira Coatsworth said he was an ”impressive” candidate who was fluent in te reo and has a background in public and community services. 

Henare, now Ministry for Social Development business advisor, said: “It is time to bring the seven Maori seats back home to Labour.  Lets start with taking back Tāmaki Makaurau.”

He’s worked for the ministry since 2001 and is also a trustee of Ngati Hine Forestry Trust. From 2008 to 2011, Henare was a commentator for Maori Television. 

Originally from south Auckland, he now lives in Northland.

It will be an interesting seat to watch.

One wonders what Shane Taurima will now do? Not wanted by Labour, and unable to work again in news and current affairs (well for a fair while anyway).