New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has confirmed city councillor Clayton Mitchell as the party's candidate for Tauranga.
Mr Peters said Cr Mitchell would be a strong candidate for the party in Tauranga in the 2014 election.
"I understand that a significant number of local people approached Mr Mitchell tostand and give a strong voice for Tauranga- Mt Maunganui and the Western Bay of Plenty. They are pleased that he has answered their call," Mr Peters said.
"Mr Mitchell, a Tauranga city councillor, has a positive approach to life, and he will work in the best interests of all New Zealanders.
"As a local body election candidate and then as a councillor he has built up a rapport with the people of Tauranga and Mt Maunganui, where he lives.
"Clayton will fit well with New Zealand First, which is not an ideological-based party. Instead, we look at the facts and work out what is in the best interests of ordinary Kiwis and New Zealand as a whole. We are not beholden or constrained by allegiances or pre-existing conditions that serve particular interest groups.
"Clayton is a family man, with three children, and like many Kiwis, enjoys the outdoor life. He is an achiever. Parliament and New Zealand as a whole will benefit from representatives who gets things done.
"I am proud that we are standing such a strong candidate in my former seat," says Mr Peters.
