National targets Māori seat it has never held under MMP

National has selected Rangitīkei councillor Coral Raukawa as its candidate for Te Tai Hauāuru, a Māori electorate the party has not won since MMP began in 1996. Raukawa, born in Marton within the electorate, carries iwi connections to Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa and Ngāti Tamakopiri. She challenges incumbent Te Pāti Māori MP Debbie Ngarewa-Packer. National's Māori electorate support has historically been thin, though the party now contests all seven seats.