The National Party has selected businessman Alastair Scott as its Wairarapa candidate for September's general election.
Mr Scott was selected at a meeting of local party members in Masterton yesterday.
He will contest the seat, which includes Waipawa and Waipukurau, in place of sitting National MP John Hayes, who is stepping down.
Mr Hayes held the seat with a majority of more than 7000 votes at the 2011 election, but despite the strong margin, National Party regional chairman Malcolm Plimmer said the party would "be taking nothing for granted in Wairarapa".
"Alastair is an outstanding candidate who will be a strong advocate for Wairarapa," Mr Plimmer said.
Mr Scott is up against two other candidates so far announced for the seat: Labour's Kieran McAnulty, and the Green Party's John Hart.
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, a Massey University councillor, and a trustee of the Wairarapa Region Irrigation Trust and the NZ Scout Youth Foundation.
As well as his business interests, Mr Scott has a track record of community involvement, including as a founding trustee of Kiwi Can Charitable Trust Wellington, deputy chairman of the Wairarapa Chamber of Commerce, and as a member of the Wairarapa Development Group.
Mr Scott is a father of three. He splits his time between homes in Masterton and Wellington with partner Robyn Noble-Campbell and their blended family.
He said he was looking forward to the challenges ahead.
"National is making real progress for regions likes ours. Wairarapa communities are benefiting from lower crime, better services in health, and ongoing investment in infrastructure. I'll be getting out and about to engage with communities about National's plan to keep working for New Zealand."