The Labour Party has selected Trust Director Pare Taikato (Tauranga Moana) as their candidate for the Bay of Plenty electorate in the general election.

A third generation horticulturist and former tally clerk at the Port of Tauranga, Taikato has followed in family footsteps and been elected to multiple leadership roles in the high value horticulture sector.

She is a Director, Chair and Trustee of several Māori land Trusts including Matakana Berry LP, Ongare, Ranginui No 12 and Poripori Farm A whose collective portfolios include kiwifruit, avocado, blueberry and agri-business across the wider Bay of Plenty.

She has also worked in local electorate offices advocating for and assisting constituents across the Bay of Plenty.

Pare's dedication to serving Bay of Plenty communities saw her appointed as a volunteer member of the Acorn Foundation distributions committee from 2019 – 2023, allocating annual distributions on behalf of donors in alignment with Vital Signs priorities as one of the key regional philanthropic trusts in the Bay supporting community-based charitable trusts.

'I'm humbled and honoured to have been chosen as Labour's candidate for the Bay of Plenty. I am wholeheartedly committed to the prosperity and wellbeing of the Bay and its people, just as generations of my ancestors have been before me,” says Pare.

'I'll be a strong advocate and voice for our electorate in Parliament. The Bay of Plenty has so much to offer and I will be a champion for all of the communities that make the Bay of Plenty such a great place to live and work.

'As someone who has lived through many experiences, been a hard worker my whole life and now as a leader in high value horticulture, I want to ensure that everyone who works hard in our communities can get ahead and improve their lives, whether that be as workers or business-owners.

'Throughout my life I have seen the power of communities who work together to create positive change in order for our region to continue to thrive. That is the approach I will bring in advocating for the Bay of Plenty in Parliament.

'Under Chris Hipkins leadership, our government is tackling the cost of living crisis, investing in rebuilding after the recent extreme weather events and moving towards a low carbon future.

'I will be proud to represent the Bay of Plenty in Government and be a strong voice for its people.”