The Maori Party has announced its list of 24 candidates to contest the 2014 General Election - with Tame Iti at seven and Rotorua's Eraia Kiel at eight.
"The list is headed by our co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell, and followed by two brilliant young candidates, number two being Marama Fox (Ikaroa Rawhiti) and in third rank, Chris McKenzie (Te Tai Hauauru)" said Ken Mair, co vice-president of the Maori Party.
"Marama of Ngati Kahungunu, Ngati Porou and Rangitane is an educational leader who has taught at kohanga reo, kura kaupapa, wharekura and general education as well as in an advisory role in the Ministry of Education. Chris McKenzie has earnt his reputation in iwi leadership as a negotiator for Ngati Raukawa as well as having been actively involved in language revitalisation.
"Rangatahi representation is a key focus of the list; 60 per cent of the top 10 being under the age of 45 years," said Donna Gardiner, co vice-president.
"The two youngest on the list, Reverend Te Hira Paenga, of Te Tai Tokerau (4) and Anaru Kaipo standing in the Whangarei seat (9), are both 32 years of age; with Eraia Kiel (37 years old) placed at number eight.