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It will be two new faces in Franklin’s electorates of Papakura and Port Waikato following Andrew Bayly’s decision not to stand for an electorate seat in this year’s general election.
On March 3, Bayly announced that he will not seek the nomination to be the Port Waikato candidate at the next election, following a decision to move to the South Island later this year.
“This has not been an easy decision,” Bayly says.
“However, my wife and I love the South Island, which is where we intend to relocate later this year.
“I believe it is important that the people of the Port Waikato electorate are represented by someone who is able to live locally and maintain a strong, day‑to‑day connection with the community.”
The decision follows Papakura MP Judith Collins’ announcement in January that she would leave politics after 24 years to become President of the Law Commission: Te Aka Matua o te Ture. It will mark the end of a parliamentary career that began in 2002 when she was first elected to represent the former Clevedon electorate, later becoming Papakura.
Bayly says his intended move made it appropriate to step aside now to allow the selection of a candidate who can be fully embedded in the electorate and its future.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to serve the people of the Port Waikato electorate,” he says.
“I am grateful for the trust they have placed in me, and for the commitment, dedication and generosity shown by party members, volunteers and supporters throughout my 12 years in the role.”
However, Bayly intends to seek a list-only position, remaining with National.
Bayly was first elected to Parliament in 2014, initially for the Hunua electorate, which then became Port Waikato in 2020. During his tenure, Bayly worked alongside local organisations, community leaders and residents on a range of issues important to the electorate.
“We have been through Covid, numerous cyclones and major flooding events, where people have lost their lives, their homes and livelihoods. It has been tough at times, but I am proud of what we have achieved together.”
Bayly says he is confident the National Party will select a strong local candidate for Port Waikato who will serve the people of the electorate with energy, integrity and dedication.
Further details regarding the candidate selection process will be announced by the party in due course.
