Rod Bannister puts hand up for NZ First

Former New Zealand squash champion Rod Bannister is hoping to be chosen as New Zealand First's candidate for the Whanganui electorate.

Mr Bannister is understood to be one of three contenders to represent the party led by Winston Peters as it bids for the Whanganui seat to be vacated by sitting National Party MP Chester Borrows.

Mr Bannister, treasurer of the local branch of NZ First, has been involved with the party for two years and attended a candidates college in Wellington.

He will be interviewed in Auckland in early April and NZ First is expected to name its choice later that month.

As well as having a distinguished squash career, Mr Bannister was coach of the Whanganui cricket rep team and is a former general manager of MoreFm radio station.