David Elliott chosen as National candidate for Napier seat

David Elliott

Havelock North resident David Elliott has been chosen as the Nationa Party candidate for Napier in the upcoming general election.

Mr Elliott, who was beaten by Hastings mayor Lawrence Yule for the Tukituki National Party nomination earlier in the year, saw off competition from local businesswoman Deborah Burnside to secure the right to challenge incumbent Labour MP Stuart Nash for his seat.

The nomination was confirmed today.

Born and raised in Hawke's Bay, the Cathay Pacific airline pilot returned from Hong Kong to live in the region in 2010.

He will be up against Mr Nash and Green Party candidate Damon Rusden.

In reaction last night Mr Nash said: "I've never ever come across him in my nine years of being involved in politics in Napier but by all accounts he's a nice guy."

"I am, to be honest, a little surprised that the National Party has chosen someone from outside the electorate who lives in the hills of Havelock North, but that's up to them.

Mr Nash said Mr Elliott's selection would not alter his strategy "of continuing to stand up for the issues that are important to those who live in my home town of Napier".