The Mana Party has named Clinton Dearlove as its candidate for the southern Maori seat of Te Tai Tonga.
Party leader Hone Harawira confirmed the candidacy at a meeting in the Christchurch suburb of Aranui on Wednesday, though Mr Dearlove himself did not attend.
Mr Dearlove has a background in health and education and is likely to become the party's spokesperson on those issues.
Mr Harawira says he's confident that Mr Dearlove, of Ngai Tahu descent, has a lot to offer and has been impressed by the work he's done in the north.
He said the candidate sees health and education as important issues to help advance Maori people.
Mr Harawira says Mr Dearlove will soon be starting his grassroots campaign.
Lawyer Annette Sykes is expected to be named on Thursday as the party's candidate for the Waiariki seat.
