An important deadline is approaching for the region’s political aspirants.
Anyone considering putting their hand up to be the National Party’s local candidate only has a few days to decide, Wairarapa National Party Chairman David Holmes said.
Nominations close at noon on February 8. After a vetting process, the successful candidate is expected to be announced by mid-March.
Wairarapa’s incumbent MP is Labour Labour’s Kieran McAnulty, who was elected in 2020 with a decisive margin of 6545 votes. He previously contested the seat, unsuccessfully, in 2014 and 2017, when National’s Alastair Scott won it.
Holmes said the coming months would be a tough time for new Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and the Labour Party he leads.
“Hipkins has only got eight or nine months to get himself organised, and things aren’t going to change.
“Even though he’s the new Prime Minister, he’s been involved with all the decisions that have been made up until now.
“It’s going to make for a very exciting election come the 14th of October,” Holmes said.
“The past six years have been tough – economically, and with covid.
“The economy is not in good shape, and prices are going up. A lot of people are hurting at the moment, and I think this year is going to get really tough with the cost of living crisis.”
Holmes said Wairarapa had been adversely impacted, particularly by rising fuel prices – “fuel affects Wairarapa in a big way with our rural industry, because everything that’s brought into Wairarapa is brought in by vehicles” – although health, crime and education were also key issues.
This year it was crucial people use their vote, he said.
“That’s very important. Whether you’re 20, 60, or 70, you’ve just got to get out and vote.”
More information about the candidacy and selection process is available by emailing [email protected]
