King Kapisi makes Internet Party shortlist

  • Breaking
  • 06/06/2014

By 3 News online staff

Samoan hip-hop artist King Kapisi has been named on the Internet Party's candidate shortlist.

The 40-year-old, whose real name is Bill Urale, is one of 22 faces who party members will vote for tomorrow. In his biography posted to the Internet Party website, Urale's song lyrics are dubbed "politically conscious".

In 2012, the rapper was involved in protesting against the partial sale of state assets. Armed with placards, around 3000 protestors made their way up Auckland's Queen St shouting “Aotearoa is not for sale”.

Also on the list are several political newcomers, including 42-year-old Turi Te Kamonga whose background is in automotive engineering.

He says his "growing knowledge of crypto currencies" offers a fresh outlook to monetary and fiscal policies.

The youngest shortlisted candidate is 23-year-old Beverley Ballentine, who is currently completing her masters in international law and politics.

"My recent research projects have focused on social equality and another on the Christchurch rebuild."

Meanwhile the eldest on the list, 60-year-old William Taraia Tangaere, says he is a "highly experienced executive" and a "dynamic leader of people".

"My military training imbued within me the power of self-belief and that anything is possible," he says.

Tomorrow's candidate selection follows the appointment of Leila Harré as Internet Party leader last week.

3 News

source: newshub archive