Dannevirke: Joanne Hayes is banking on her political clout

National List MP Joanne Hayes in Dannevirke this week drumming up support for her bid for the Wairarapa electorate seat being vacated by John Hayes at this year's general election. Photo/Christine McKay

Joanne Hayes is putting her hat into the ring for National's Wairarapa electoral seat about to be left vacant by John Hayes.

Mrs Hayes went into Parliament in January on the National Party list to fill the vacancy created by former Dannevirke woman Katrina Shanks, who had resigned to take up the role of chief executive of the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand.

Mrs Hayes, who is no relation to John Hayes, stood for the Dunedin South seat for National in 2011, losing to Labour's Clare Curran despite National winning the party vote in the electorate for the first time.

Mrs Hayes believes she's got the political clout to take the nomination, because of her extensive experience in business and her knowledge of grassroots New Zealand.

"Born in Eketahuna and raised on an Alfredton sheep and cattle station, I have connections from Waipawa, all along the East Coast," she said. "I was brought up in grassroots New Zealand, working in shearing sheds and picking spuds with my dad, which I hated. We never went without, it was a good life, but we also did things hard."

Mrs Hayes said she wants to give this community a voice, promising to be a hard worker in Parliament and in the electorate and she said she's determined to spend time with constituents if selected and wins the election for National.

And the proposed Ruataniwha dam in Hawke's Bay is one of the keys she sees to the economic wellbeing of the electorate.

"There are obviously environmental issues, but the economic wealth will bring employment opportunities across the whole electorate," she said. "I can understand some of the issues for iwi, but for the economic benefits and the wealth which will be generated the dam needs to go ahead.

"I also support oil and gas exploration, it can only be good. After all, you don't see many Taranaki people going around dragging their lips do you? As long as exploration is managed well and we do have systems in place, then I can see the economic benefits."

Of Ngati Porou, Ati Haunui A Paparangi, and Rangitane ki Wairarapa descent, Mrs Hayes has a background in health, education, and community and economic development.

"I've worked in local government for the Palmerston North City Council and two district health boards - MidCentral and Whanganui," she said.

Mrs Hayes' husband Pat works the family sheep and beef property in Apiti and if she wins the nomination for the Wairarapa electorate she plans to move in with her 83-year-old mother in Masterton while her husband has a more staged approach to moving off the farm.

Matahiwi Winery owner Alastair Scott is also standing for the Wairarapa nomination.

John Hayes retained the seat for National at the last election with a majority of about 7000.