The Māori Council and the Tāmaki Makaurau committee of the Labour Party are seeing red over the refusal to let Shane Taurima run for the Labour Party.
Daniel Phillips states, the kaunihera Māori are very disappointed that the NZ Council were minded not to approve the waiver. We had reps in that meeting and it was a very clear messaging that our reps look to approve the waiver.”
Labour's NZ Council met last night and declined to grant a waiver to Shane Taurima, meaning his nomination for Labour's candidacy in the Tāmaki Makaurau seat cannot proceed.
Labour's Māori Council chairman says they were behind Shane's bid for the Tāmaki seat, but it seems in the hallways of Parliament, things were a lot different.
According to David Cunliffe, “I think he needs to reflect upon the situation and reflect upon his actions and take some responsibility for them.”
Will Flavell is the only remaining candidate, but Daniel says they are still being kept in the dark about what's happening.
Rumours were swirling that Julian Wilcox would throw his hat in the ring, but Māori Television confirms that he's still in his position as Head of News and Current Affairs.
So the sun has set for now on Shane Taurima's dreams of entering the house, and on Thursday we'll find out whether or not Labour will re-open applications for the Auckland candidacy.