Duo stay silent on selection pursuit

HOPEFUL: James Perry, is one of four hopefuls seeking to become National's Wairarapa candidate. PHOTO/FILE

Two men chasing the National Party nomination for the Wairarapa electorate say they are not allowed to talk to the media.

When contacted by the Times-Age, James Perry said he would like to be able to talk about his bid but he wasn't allowed to under National Party member rules.

The party's constitution and rules state candidates up for selection can't undertake any form of publicity, including comments to media or on social media, from the nominations closing date to the selection date.

If they do, they will receive a warning and further breaches may be notified to the final selection meeting.

Masterton-born Mr Perry, and three others are contesting selection as Wairarapa candidate after nominations closed on March 21 and a pre-selection process was completed.

Richard Townley, 34, of Wellington, had been contacted before the closing date but he declined an interview, saying he wasn't able to speak yet.

The two others in the line-up Jo Hayes, 55, of Apiti, and Alastair Scott, 44, of Wellington, were profiled, before the closing date.

Eketahuna-born farmer and list MP Mrs Hayes, no relation to incumbent Wairarapa MP John Hayes, came into the Times-Age office in February, offering to be interviewed.

Last year, Matahiwi winery owner Mr Scott put his name forward saying Wairarapa needed fresh representation.

John Hayes announced his retirement earlier this year.

Bernard Cleary, National's Wairarapa electorate chairman, said the candidates were following the rule to make sure they got through the selection process.

The party's general manager, Greg Hamilton, said the rule was there because the selection was by party delegates, not the public.

"It's really because it's an in-house selection process," he said. Mr Hamilton said the nomination was going to be keenly contested.

The person selected will be named on April 25.