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.