Prime Minister John Key with Claudette Hauiti Lesbian National Party candidate Claudette Hauiti has been given only an outside chance of winning a Parliamentary seat after being ranked 63rd on the party list. The Auckland businesswoman is standing in the seat of Mangere, a traditional Labour safe-seat which is currently held by Su’a William Sio. 3 News had reported she was expected to take a top list spot by a party which is trying to fight its reputation of being a boys’ club, pointing out the candidate herself admits she ‘ticks all the boxes’ by being Maori and lesbian. “For those that understand the List Ranking method - my 63 placing is exceptional for a new candidate in a 'red seat',” Hauiti has tweeted. “To all my colleagues congratulations and let the hard work begin! Bring it on!” Hauiti is in a civil union with her partner and the couple is raising a child. She is a former TV producer and ex Grassroots Labour supporter who unsuccessfully stood for an Auckland Council local board seat. The gay, Catholic and celibate Attorney-General Christopher Finlayson has been ranked in 9th place on the National list, up from 14th place previously.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 5th September 2011 - 12:20pm