Labour’s man in Otaki not on list
The Labour Party’s candidate for Otaki has once again opted to stay off his party’s list, saying he feels it is the best way for him to represent the electorate.
The party released its list for September’s election on Tuesday, which saw promotions, demotions and some people left right out.
Rob Mccann, Labour’s candidate for Otaki, was not on the list. He was also missing in 2014.
‘‘I have always seen my pathway into Parliament is standing up for the people of the Otaki electorate,’’ he said.
He will have to usurp National’s Nathan Guy, who he trailed by 7800 votes at the 2014 election, if he wants to win the seat.
‘‘My focus has always been on this electorate.
‘‘Saying that, getting in on the list is pretty tough.’’
Opting off the list is not unusual for Labour candidates this year. All the party’s Maori electorate MPS, including Te Tai Hauauru MP Adrian Rurawhe, are staying off the list.
One person not taking the same approach is Palmerston North MP Iain Lees-galloway, who has gone from 24th in 2014 to 13th this election.
‘‘I have always wanted to submit myself to the list, because the party vote is actually the more important vote,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s important to demonstrate that I’m part of the Labour team and campaigning for the party vote.’’
He was ‘‘quietly happy’’ about his position, but quick to point out his caucus ranking was 14.
He also made reference to MPS retiring, the Maori electorate candidates and MPS staying off the list, and other candidates being elevated above him.
Labour’s Rangitikei candidate Heather Warren, taking part in her first election, is ranked 59th. Barring a considerable boost to Labour’s polling, she will have to beat the National incumbent Ian Mckelvie to make it into Parliament.