Ikaroa-Rawhiti candidate announced

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The Maori Party has announced its candidate to contest the Ikaroa-Rawhiti electorate at next year's elections.

Na Rongowhakaata Raihania, a father of four, was among a group of three nominees and was selected by party members who took part in election hui throughout the electorate, which extends from East Cape to Wellington, over the past three weeks.

The electorate is represented by Labour MP Parekura Horomia, who held off a challenge by Maori Party representative Derek Fox in 2008.

Ikaroa-Rawhiti and Hauraki-Waikato, held by Labour MP Nanaia Mahuta, are the only two of seven Maori seats not held by Maori Party MPs.

Mr Raihania is chairman of the iwi boards on the Tairawhiti district and Midlands health boards and is described as having extensive experience in tribal leadership.

- NZPA