He is running on the Auckland Future ticket, which aims to make the community "safe and prosperous". Auckland Future knew of his conviction when it took him on, and would continue to support him, it said. Auckland Future is running 40 candidates across the city including former rugby league legend Graham Lowe. Wood stressed that every Auckland Future candidate had their credentials checked thoroughly through a rigorous selection process which involved three board members including herself interviewing every candidate. Lavea is not the first political figure to be found guilty of identity theft.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 14, 2016 00:11 UTC