Labour to take fight to Bennett in Waitakere
24.03.10 Labour’s candidate for Waitakere, Carmel Sepuloni, is looking forward to taking the fight to Paula Bennett to reclaim the seat.

“It was a tough selection process and now I am looking forward to working with my Westie colleagues Lynne Pillay, David Cunliffe and Chris Carter to put Waitakere back in the Labour camp,” Carmel Sepuloni said.

“Lynne has great networks and contacts already in place in Waitakere and we are working to ensure there is a smooth transition in order to take Labour’s messages and values to the people of Waitakere.”

Labour list MP and former MP for Waitakere Lynne Pillay welcomed Carmel Sepuloni’s selection.

“It’s exciting to be working with Carmel in Waitakere, and she has hit the ground running. I’m confident Carmel has the ability to win the seat back,” Lynne Pillay said.

“Carmel’s links with diverse communities, her enthusiasm and commitment to education make her an excellent candidate.

“She has a real understanding of how decisions made in Wellington affect our communities in Waitakere. Paula Bennett has made many decisions that have caused grief for many families in Waitakere, and in Carmel, these people will have a strong advocate and their voices will be heard.

“It was great that one of my first jobs was to help Lynne to select a Youth MP in Waitakere,” Carmel Sepuloni said.

“I enjoy talking to young people about their aspirations. It reinforced for me again the talent and energy of our young people.”