Iwi leader Tama Potaka has been selected by local party members as National’s candidate in the Hamilton West by-election.
Potaka is currently the chief executive of Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki whose main marae is Umupuia in Maraetai.
He has also worked as a senior advisor to the NZ Super Fund and spent several years as general manager for Hamilton-based Tainui Group Holdings.
He has a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws from Victoria University and a Master of Laws from Columbia University.
Auckland-based Potaka has a home in Hamilton.
“I’m honoured to be selected by local party members to fight the Hamilton West by-election as National’s candidate,” said Potaka.
“Hamilton West has a unique chance to send a message to the Labour Government before next year’s General Election – New Zealanders need more than good intentions and band-aid solutions. They want and deserve direction, clear action and delivery.
“National offers that plan and delivery.
“Only National and [Opposition leader] Christopher Luxon have a plan to competently manage the economy, deal with inflation and tackle the cost-of-living crisis hitting Hamilton families in the pocket at the checkout and through rapidly rising mortgage interest rates.”
Potaka said Labour won the seat by more than 6000 votes in the last election.
“But I’m determined to campaign relentlessly on the issues that matter to Hamilton West and turn the seat blue,” he said.
“I’m hitting the ground running and will be meeting as many people across Hamilton West as I can so I can earn the right to advocate for them.”
