Shearer boosts candidate

Labour leader David Shearer was wondering aloud if Masterton "was the only sunny place in the whole of New Zealand" yesterday as he hit the byelection campaign trail with his candidate, Meka Whaitiri.

Mr Shearer was lending his presence to Ms Whaitiri's campaign to retain Labour's hold on the Ikaroa-Rawhiti Maori electorate, following the death of Parekura Horomia.

The pair, with her family members and Labour Party faithful, visited Masterton's Te Rangimarie Marae, where she was invited to speak.

They followed up with a stint on Queen St to talk to passersby.

"I really wanted to stand beside her, give her the support," said Mr Shearer.

"This election has not been well advertised. We want people to know there's an election."

Mr Shearer said Ms Whaitiri was an "outstanding" candidate.

"I would say that, but it's absolutely true. She started in the freezing works, put herself through university, senior civil service roles.

"I've been very impressed with her."

Former local resident John Rayner, who was visiting from Auckland, talked to Mr Shearer.

"The difference between the parties is very little," he said.

"Both very much the same when you come down to it.

"But it's good to see the boss here, the head man."