Raukawa-Tait to stand for Christian Heritage Party

Strip club-visiting, anti-smacking, gay-friendly Women's Refuge boss Merepeka Raukawa-Tait is to stand for the Christian Heritage Party at this year's general election.

Party leader Graham Capill confirmed in Wellington today she would run for the Wairarapa, announcing it at a function where news media representatives outnumbered party faithful.

Mrs Raukawa-Tait was elevated to deputy party leader, despite expressing views on homosexuality and smacking that differed with key party policies.

Asked how he reconciled his party's moralistic core with Mrs Raukawa-Tait's much-publicised visit to a Wellington strip club opening last year, Mr Capill invoked Jesus Christ.

"Being Christian, we follow Jesus Christ, who was often criticised for associating with taxpayers and prostitutes, those who were looked down on by religious leaders," he said.

"Following that tradition we don't write people off because of that. Merepeka wants to move forward.

"I think she probably wouldn't repeat that but having said that we are not part of the Pharisees, we don't want to sit in judgement."

Mrs Raukawa-Tait last year apologised for visiting the strip club after several refuge workers expressed a lack of confidence in her, some suggesting she resign.

- NZPA