Mauri Pacific list surprise

By Vernon Small

Mauri Pacific has put Pacific Island newcomer Peta Si'ulepa number three on its list ahead of two sitting MPs.

The list, released yesterday, has leader Tau Henare at number one followed by his brother-in-law Tukoroirangi Morgan.

Peta Si'ulepa, a former ministerial private secretary in Samoa, is followed by sitting MPs Rana Waitai and Ann Batten.

The party's fifth sitting MP, Jack Elder, is not seeking re-election.

Mr Henare said the party's list of 25 candidates was fresh, exciting and talented. It was not made up of lawyers but "common folk to represent common people."

Mauri Pacific has barely registered in most opinion polls.