Willie Jackson appointed as Labour’s Māori Campaign Director – Labour Party

“The Labour Party welcomes renowned broadcaster and urban Māori leader Willie Jackson to the role of Māori Campaign Director for the 2017 General Election,” said Māori Senior Vice President Tane Phillips.

“Willie was asked to take on the role due to his ability to connect with a demographic of Māori voters who live in urban areas, are typically younger and part of a new generation.”

Willie will campaign with current Labour Māori MPs and candidates to build on the effective Māori vote strategy during the 2014 election, where Labour won 6 of the 7 Māori seats.

“I look forward to campaigning hard in all of our Māori electorates so we can change the government and improve the lives of all of our people,” said Willie Jackson.

“Our message will be that we need a change of government and only a vote for the Labour Party will deliver that.”

“It’s crucially important for Māori to enrol and vote if they want to see a change to a government that will stand for decent, affordable housing, secure work, better quality healthcare and quality education,” said Te Kaunihera Māori Chairman Adrian Rurawhe MP.

“We look forward to an injection of new energy and vigour to Labour’s Māori Vote Campaign as we take forward the successful gains we made in the 2014 election.”

“There is one objective – to win and change the government,” Adrian Rurawhe.

In his new role Willie will be working to Labour’s Campaign Manager, Andrew Kirton, and alongside Māori MPs, candidates and volunteers.

Willie Jackson is joined by fellow Māori candidates for the 2017 election such as; Willow Jean-Prime (Northland), Tamati Coffey (Waiariki), Kiri Allan (East Coast), Paul Eagle (Rongotai), and Shanan Halbert (Northcote).