Barry sets sights on safe Shore seat

Maggie Barry. Photo / Supplied

Maggie Barry is seeking the National Party's candidacy in the safe North Shore seat being vacated by Defence Minister Wayne Mapp.

But the TV personality faces stiff competition from former electorate chairman Matt Kemp.

Ms Barry missed out on selection for National in the Botany byelection last month and later said the North Shore seat was "a very attractive prospect".

Yesterday, she said she had applied for the candidacy.

Applications for the position close on April 4.

Mr Kemp, 31, earlier announced he would seek the nomination after being "encouraged by many members and former officials of the North Shore National Party to put my name forward".

The tax manager for Fonterra yesterday said he lived in the electorate and had been actively involved in the party for eight years.

Ms Barry, a former broadcaster and gardening guru, is a newcomer to politics and lives in the Mt Albert electorate.

Blogger Cameron Slater has reported former Christian Heritage Party leader Ewen McQueen and historian and former Auckland City councillor Paul Goldsmith are also seeking the candidacy.

Five people will be chosen at a pre-selection meeting on April 16, and the candidate will be chosen on May 4.

Dr Mapp, an MP for 14 years, held the North Shore seat in 2008 with a 14,574-vote majority but has said he will stand down at the next election.

Labour has selected North Shore resident and IT professional Ben Clark as its candidate. Adam Bennett