UPDATED 2.30PM: On changing his mind about standing in an electorate Dr Brash told NBR it wasn't his idea to stand in the North Shore but that when the Act party board "specificaly asked him to reconsider", he relented.
UPDATED 2.30PM: On changing his mind about standing in an electorate Dr Brash said he originally wanted to focus on campaigning nationwide, but is confident he can do both.
He told NBR it wasn't his idea to stand in the North Shore electorate but that when the Act party board "specifically asked him to reconsider", he relented.
“I have strong ties to the North Shore having lived there for 17 years before I took the job of Reserve bank Governor and two of my children and their families live on the Shore. It’s a wonderful area and the Act party has strong support on the North Shore, so it will be a pleasure campaigning there," Dr Brash said.
“I’ll still be campaigning for the party vote, in the North Shore and nation-wide, this just means I’ll have more opportunities to meet people face-to-face in one of Act's most important constituencies.
“I’ll be spreading the same message – that we need Act’s policies to make New Zealand a freer, fairer and more prosperous place to live – and I’m sure this will resonate with North Shore voters,” Dr Brash said.
Act leader Don Brash has decided to contest an electorate seat at this year's election.
Previously Dr Brash has indicated he would stand as a list only candidate but has now decided to run for North Shore, which incorporates East Coast Bays, a seat Dr Brash stood for twice but failed to win.
He had been expected to win the 1980 by-election for National but then prime minister Robert Muldoon suddenly announced he would lift the controversial toll on the Auckland Harbour bridge just days before the election.
A spokesperson for Dr Brash said he was persuaded to stand by the Act party board.
Dr Brash will face strong competition from National candidate, gardening guru and broadcaster Maggie Barry.
