Townley tries again for National

LATEST: National Party nominee Richard Townley in 2004, when he previously sought the Wairarapa seat.PHOTO/FILE

Three people are chasing the National Party nomination to stand for the Wairarapa electorate in this year's general election.

Nominations closed on Monday and the latest nominee confirmed is Richard Townley, of Wellington.

Also confirmed are Apiti farmer Jo Hayes and Matahiwi Winery owner Alastair Scott.

Yesterday Mr Townley, who sought nomination for the Wairarapa seat in 2004 when he was 24, confirmed he was seeking nomination again.

He was previously selected by the National Party for the Hutt South seat which was won by Labour MP Trevor Mallard in the 2002 general election.

Lower North Island regional chairman Malcolm Plimmer said the names of those in the running will be officially confirmed early next week after a pre-selection process.

Then next month one nominee will be selected to run against Labour Party candidate Kieran McAnulty and Green Party candidate John Hart in the September 20 election.

In January the incumbent Wairarapa MP, National's John Hayes, announced he was retiring and would not be running again.