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National | Adrian Rurawhe

Te Tai Hauāuru candidates maintained respectful campaigns

The Māori Party candidate for Te Tai Hauāuru Chris McKenzie wrapped up his campaign with the people of Pouakani Marae in Mangakino.

Māori Television's poll showed the he was ahead of Labour's Adrian Rurawhe by three points, making it a tight race.

Chris McKenzie has big shoes to fill according to the people of Pouakani Marae here in Mangakino.

The challenge is for him to retain the seat for the Māori Party which has long been held by Tariana Turia and more importantly to maintain their numbers within Parliament.

Leanne Karauna says, “We support the work that Tariana does, she's come here and has returned a number of times, so the family of Mangakino support her.”

He has no doubt in his mind he can achieve that.

“I've been with Whaea Tariana for three years, ten years and I know what our party stands for,” say Māori Party’s Chris McKenzie.

Māori Television's Te Tai Hauāuru poll showed Chris McKenzie taking 32% of the vote as the preferred candidate, followed closely by Labours Adrian Rurawhe at 29%.

Adrian Rurawhe says, "We've worked out our campaign strategy over six months ago and I'm really pleased to say that we have been able to execute each and every one of them.”

Te Tai Hauāuru region covers the south Waikato, King Country, Taranaki to Manawatū and Whanganui.

Family violence was one of the key issues for the people of the region and in the past those of the electorate have given their party vote to Labour.

A confident Adrian Rurawhe spent his final election campaigning hours in his hometown of Whanganui.

“I respect all of the candidates of the Te Tai Hauāuru race, it's been a really good race a really respectful one where we argue to issues and not the people,” says Adrian Rurawhe.

Also in the running for Te Tai Hauāuru are Jack McDonald for the Green Party and Jordan Winiata for MANA.