Tapsell keen on Act: Prebble

Former Labour politician and Speaker of the House Sir Peter Tapsell is considering standing for Act, says leader Richard Prebble.

Sir Peter, 72, had indicated his interest during a conversation with Mr Prebble, who had passed it on to the board.

"I know that Peter Tapsell is very concerned at the direction the Labour Government has been taking with Maori politics," Mr Prebble said.

"He isn't a supporter of going back to tribalism and thinks that the Government's policies of just spraying money are very corrupting."

Mr Prebble said Sir Peter had told him he believed Act's stance on policies such as law and order were right and "he found himself in sympathy".

Campaign manager Brian Nicolle said Act's board had passed a resolution inviting Sir Peter to stand. "I think he's a very popular person among the Act membership.

"He's very well respected," Mr Nicolle said.

Sir Peter was no stranger to Act members. He had spoken at a regional conference in 1998.

Act is launching its campaign this weekend but will not announce its list until June 30.

Sir Peter, a former orthopaedic surgeon, was Labour's MP for Eastern Maori from 1981 to 1996, when he retired to work on his family's farm in the East Coast town of Ruatoria.

His ministerial portfolios in the Labour Government included police, forestry and defence.

Sir Peter could not be reached for comment.

- NZPA

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