Act's deputy leader to stand in Tamaki

Act deputy leader John Boscawen. Photo / Glenn Jeffrey

Act deputy leader John Boscawen will stand for election in the safe National electorate of Tamaki.

The wealthy east Auckland electorate that covers suburbs such as Orakei, Mission Bay, St Heliers and Kohimarama has been a safe National seat since 1960, with MP Allan Peachey the current incumbent.

The seat was held by former National Prime Minister Sir Robert Muldoon from 1960 to 1991.

Mr Boscawen said he is planning to use his campaign to lift the party vote for Act, which has struggled in the polls since an internal battle between party leader Rodney Hide and former deputy Heather Roy last year.

"Act views Tamaki as an incredibly important electorate, and the party's decision to have me stand there is a reflection of that," he said.

"My primary focus in Tamaki will be to gain party votes to help ensure that Act remains in Parliament to help National make the bold and courageous decisions that are needed to turn the economy around."

Mr Boscawen said as a current Tamaki resident, he knew the issues facing local people.

He was planning to focus his campaign on the local and national economy.

"In Tamaki we have many people looking for jobs. It is important for people to be able to feel financially secure and we need to implement policies that will raise jobs, incomes and living standards - not just for Tamaki, but for all of New Zealand."

- NZ Herald staff