The New Zealand Labour party has released its candidate list ahead of the October 14 general election.
The party has named 76 candidates, 26 of whom are new with 10 candidates of Pacific heritage.
Of the 10 candidates of Pacific Heritage, Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni remains at number 3 while Minister for Pacific Peoples Barbara Edmonds moves to 18.
Jenny Salesa comes in at number 24 and Tangi Utikere number 25. Dan Rosewarne takes number 32 and Anahila Kanongata’a comes in at number 34. Meanwhile Dr. Anae Neru Leavasa comes in at number 38.
Terisa Ngobi takes number 46 while Lemauga Lydia Sosene is at number 53. New candidate Fesaitu Solomone comes in at number 59.
Party President Jill Day says the new list shows the Labour Party is strengthening its existing team and focussing on the bread and butter issues that matter most to New Zealanders.
“This election is about who best has New Zealanders’ backs in tough times.”
Labour made history in the 2020 general election claiming a landslide victory allowing the party to govern alone. 11 Pacific MPs become part of the 65 Labour candidates to form the current government.
Auptio William Sio and Poto Williams announced their resignations from parliament earlier this year.
