Former Auckland mayoral candidate John Tamihere has confirmed he will stand for the Māori Party at this year's elections.
John Tamihere. Photo: Twitter
He will contest the seat for Tamaki Makaurau, currently held by the Labour minister Peeni Henare.
Tamihere confirmed his candidacy at the Mataatua Marae in Mangere yesterday, in front of party founders Dame Tariana Turia and Sir Pita Sharples.
Tamihere failed in his bid to be mayor last year when he ran against incumbent and former Labour colleague Phil Goff.
He was an MP from 1999 to 2005, winning the Hauraki seat in 1999 and the Tāmaki Makaurau seat in 2002.
Tamihere said he initially had no intention to run, but changed his mind after being approached by people, and due to the government's handling of the Whānau Ora programme.
"My policies will be unashamedly promoting matters Māori," he said in a statement.
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is also contesting the electorate.