Maryan Street and Louisa Wall
The second highest ranked Labour Party List (2005) candidate who is not a sitting MP is the “open lesbian” Maryan Street, former president of the Labour Party. She sits at no 36 position, snuggled up to transsexual MP for Wairarapa, Georgina Beyer, who is placed at no. 35. Ms Street holds a position ahead of six sitting Labour MPs, three of whom hold electorate seats, David Parker (Otago), No.37; Russell Fairbrother (Napier) No. 38 and Lynne Pillay (Waitakere) No. 40; and is ahead of three current Labour List MPs, David Hereora (No. 39), Moana Mackey (No. 41) and Lesley Soper (No. 45).
Louisa Wall, a former Silver Ferns player who has Tainui and Ngati Tuwharetoa heritage, is another prominent lesbian who has been placed on the Labour Party list, at No. 46. Louisa, who lives with her partner Michelle in the Auckland suburb of Waterview, is employed by the Human Rights Commission which she joined in July 2001 and is a paid board member of the taxpayer-funded Sport and Recreation New Zealand. Like Ms Street she has become an icon among the “gay” community. Both were advertised in the following glowing terms as guests at a “gay” political event “Election 2005” held on 10 August 2005.
“Lesbians can make a difference! Maryan Street and Louisa Wall are standing for the Labour party and tell it all about why you should take this election seriously. Both Louisa and Maryan have previously challenged us at aLBa and you won't be disappointed.
They are well known and inspiring lesbian leaders. Louisa, a Black and Silver Fern with a strong interest in public and social policy. Maryan, a seasoned political organiser and manager, rising to the position of Party President of the Labour Party.”
