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Summarised by Centrist
The truck used in Te Pāti Māori MP Oriini Kaipara’s Tāmaki Makaurau by-election campaign was listed for sale by Turners and Trade Me as a repossessed vehicle.
Both listings were removed after media inquiries.
The 1991 Isuzu CXH carried Kaipara’s photo and campaign branding. Listings stated the vehicle was being sold on behalf of a finance company after repossession.
Kaipara told Stuff she did not know about or approve the truck’s use. “It’s not my truck. Ask the owner. I have no knowledge of it,” she said.
The truck was registered to Hustle Management Ltd, directed by Wynyard Anania. He was a former Head Hunters gang member and once an electorate secretary for John Tamihere. Anania died in July.
Kaipara had posted a social media video in July blessing the truck in Anania’s memory, describing him as “Koro Win.”
Te Pāti Māori treasurer Lance Norman said the party rented the vehicle from Anania for six weeks for a roadshow before using it in the by-election. After Anania’s death, his family allowed the party to continue using it. Norman said the arrangement was legitimate and would be declared in the party’s annual return.
Records show Anania bought the truck in March through a five-year business loan with Finance Now. After his death, the truck’s ownership reverted to the finance company, which repossessed it.
Turners chief executive Greg Hedgepeth declined to comment on why the listing was removed.
