Kelvin Davis, Hone Harawira, Godfrey Rudolph Photo: RNZ
Candidates for the Māori seat of Te Tai Tokerau debate the issues of housing, Treaty Settlements and suicide in the run up to the General Election. The speakers are incumbent MP and newly elected Labour Deputy Leader Kelvin Davis, Mana Movement Leader Hone Harawira and Green Party candidate Godfrey Rudolph.
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The battle for Te Tai Tokerau has intensified, with Kelvin Davis having become Labour's deputy leader. As he’s now number two on the party list (unlike the other Labour candidates who are contesting the Maori seats without a list placing), he won't be out of a job if Mana's Hone Harawira takes the seat.
But will voters be swayed by the “two MPs for one” message promoted by Mr Harawira's supporters and vote strategically, or will they give two ticks to Mr Davis and Labour?
Will they forgive Mr Harawira his disastrous dalliance with Kim Dotcom's Internet Party and make him the next Northland comeback kid? And will the Maori Party voters transfer their electorate vote to Mana’s Harawira, as the party clearly intends they should?
Recorded by Te Whakaruruhau o Ngā Reo Irirangi Māori, this encounter chaired by Julian Wilcox of Radio Waatea was recorded at Hoani Waititi Marae in West Auckland.
This programme was produced by Te Whakaruruhau o Ngā Reo Irirangi Māori and supported by the Māori Media Network and Te Māngai Paho.