Winery boss gains party's nomination

SELECTED: The National Party has selected Alastair Scott as their Wairarapa candidate for the general election in September.

Alastair Scott has been selected as the National Party candidate for Wairarapa.

Mr Scott, 48, is owner and director of Wairarapa's Matahiwi Estate winery. He is also chairman of Henergy Cage Free Eggs, a director of Transpower, councillor of Massey University, and trustee of the Wairarapa Region Irrigation Trust and NZ Scout Youth Foundation.

Mr Scott said with Matahiwi Winery "ticking along quite nicely" he has the time and energy to be involved in politics.

He said he believes in competition after his time in banking and in the wine industry.

His areas of natural interest are tertiary education, economic development and finance.

National Party regional chairman Malcolm Plimmer said the party was satisfied with the selection of Mr Scott but it would not be relying on its past successes in the Wairarapa

"We'll be taking nothing for granted in Wairarapa. Alastair is an outstanding candidate who will be a strong advocate for Wairarapa."

Mr Scott said his focus will be on trying to hold National's position in Wairarapa after incumbent MP, National's John Hayes, retired this year.

Mr Hayes had a 7000 majority last election.

"There are just five short months until the election, and I'll be working hard to keep Wairarapa's strong voice in John Key's National Party on September 20," Mr Scott said.

The retirement of Mr Hayes left Mr Scott to vie for the position against three others - Jo Hayes, James Perry and Richard Townley.

Mr Scott said he will be campaigning in the community immediately.

"I'll be getting out and about to engage with communities about National's plan to keep working for New Zealand. "National is making real progress for regions likes ours. Wairarapa communities are benefitting from lower crime, better services in health, and ongoing investment in infrastructure."

Mr Scott will be up against Labour Party's Kieran McAnulty and Green Party's John Hart.

He is a father of three and lives between homes in Masterton and Wellington with partner Robyn Noble-Campbell and their blended family.