August 14, 2019 2:00pm by David Farrar

Bennett goes list only

National MP Paula Bennett says she will not be seeking re-election as MP for Upper Harbour in next year’s election.
Bennett has been appointed as National’s campaign chair for the 2020 election and said being the party’s campaign chair will be a “massive commitment” and one that she wants to give “100 percent” of herself to.
“As such I won’t be seeking re-election as the MP for Upper Harbour but will be on the National Party’s List,” Bennett said in a statement Wednesday.

That’s a smart decision. You can’t really be an effective campaign chair and also running an electorate campaign.

Upper Harbour is a very safe seat – a 9,556 majority. Paula won 56% of the electorate vote and National 54% of the party vote.

There should be considerable interest in such a blue seat.