Porter to stand for Mana

Rueben Taipari Porter

Ahipara environmental campaigner Rueben Taipari Porter will contest the Northland byelection for the Mana Party.

Mr Porter said he had accepted the party's candidacy because he was concerned about corruption, blatant disregard for the democratic system, fast-tracked laws, the misuse of Government intelligence services, "convenient forgetfulness" and other unethical practices.

"National made a lot of promises in the election last year and has kept none of them. It seems to be a regular occurrence that National takes Northland voters for granted," he said.

Now National was going to cost the country close to $1 million for a byelection which could have been avoided had they investigated their candidates more thoroughly.
Mr Porter said the future Northland economy, and Mana policies benefiting local businesses, would be a major focus in his campaign.

Mana was strongly opposed to "toxic mining" and deep-sea oil drilling, because they posed major risks with no prospect of compensation or anyone being held accountable if a disaster occurred.

"Risking our homes and seas for the Government's financial benefit will not bring prosperity to our communities. Mana believes in an environmentally sustainable economy, married with modern technology and our unique cultural identity," he said.

Mr Porter is well known in the Far North as a vocal advocate for Maori rights and the environment. He has been one of the main players in the protests against Norwegian firm Statoil's plans to explore for oil off the west coast. He also develops affordable housing on Maori land.

He contested the Far North mayoralty in the 2013 local elections, placing fifth of seven candidates with 1014 votes.

Last night Willow-Jean Prime, a lawyer and Far North District councillor from Moerewa, was confirmed as Labour's candidate in the byelection.

National's nominations close at noon today with a shortlist of the top five hopefuls to be released on Saturday. So far Maungaturoto farmer Grant McCallum and Okaihau farmer/fraud investigator Matt King have publicly put their hands up for the job. Both ran for selection when National last sought a new candidate in 2011.

Announcing his nomination yesterday Mr King said, if selected, he would bring a good balance of life experience to the job. He was a farmer and family man who had worked 14 years as a police detective and owned several businesses, most recently Mid North Honda.

He said he could relate to people on all levels and would bring a "practical, down-to-earth common-sense attitude" to the role.

The Greens are due to decide today whether to contest the byelection. If they do Kerikeri-based list MP David Clendon is likely to be their candidate.

NZ First leader Winston Peters is believed to be considering a tilt at the seat.