A group of aspiring local body candidates have launched their campaign in Whangarei, hoping to encourage more Maori to vote in local body elections.
Tu Kotahi was recently established to encourage Maori to contest places on trusts and boards in the area, including the Northland regional and Whangarei district councils.
Nine candidates are throwing their hats in the ring - five of whom are standing for Northland Regional Council seats.
Tu Kotahi convener Mike Kake says the primary aim is to get more representation on these institutions but the second thrust of the campaign is to inspire more Maori to vote in local body elections.
Each of the nine candidates will be supported by a whanau, and behind each whanau is a marae and then a hapu.
Mr Kake says having candidates is one thing but if people don't vote then Maori are back to square one - bereft of any representation on the decision making tables.
