Te Ao Māori

New MP follows whanau

09:16 am on 30 November 2011

New Te Tai Tonga MP Rino Tirikatene says he wants to carry on the legacy left by his grandfather and aunt now he's secured the seat.

Maori Party Member Rahui Katene lost by 1445 to Mr Tirikatene, who represents the Labour Party.

Ms Katene won the electorate in 2008, taking it from Labour MP Mahara Okeroa who held the seat for three-terms.

Both Mr Tirikatene's grandfather, Sir Eruera Tirikatene and his aunt, Whetu Tirikatene Sullivan served under Labour, and both represented the Tai Tonga seat, known back then as the Southern Maori Seat.

He says one of his aims is to help improve the lives of Maori families who are financially struggling.