Clayton Mitchell confirmed as Tauranga candidate

Clayton Mitchell

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 to stand 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.