Anae claims his slide insults Pacific Islanders

By BRONWYN SELL

National list MP Arthur Anae is describing his demotion from 19 to 25 on the party list as an insult to the Pacific Island community.

Mr Anae is National's first and only Pacific Island MP and one of two people of Pacific Island descent on its party list.

He is still guaranteed a seat in Parliament, but says the demotion is not a smart move.

"As far as Pacific Island communities are concerned the move down the party list is a direct insult to them.

"Perception is everything. People in the National Party don't understand the work I do within my community."

However, the National Party president, John Slater, said the party valued Pacific Island people, and Mr Anae was still in a very strong position.

Mr Slater said the MP had served the party well, and his move down the list should not be seen as a slight on him or Pacific Island people.

The other Pacific Islander on the National list, Manurewa candidate and school principal Enosa Auva'a, said he felt privileged to be selected, despite his low ranking of 47.

Labour has five Pacific Islanders on its list, including Mangere MP Taito Phillip Field, ranked at 14, and list MP Mark Gosche, who has dropped from 5th ranking at the last election to 20th.