National’s Katie Nimon confirms bid to retain Napier seat

Napier MP Katie Nimon during her maiden speech in Parliament. Photo / Mark Mitchell

National Party Napier MP Katie Nimon has confirmed she is running for re-election at this year’s general election.

Nimon first ran for election in 2020 but lost to then incumbent Labour MP Stuart Nash.

At her next bid in 2023 she was voted into Parliament.

In a statement released today she said she had been proud to serve the electorate and was looking forward to “earning the opportunity to serve another term”.

She said since her election, she had “focused on fixing the basics for the region” by starting the Hawke’s Bay Expressway expansion project, the realignment of the Waikare Gorge, reforming the Earthquake-Prone Buildings Act, and supported increased health investment across Hawke’s Bay.

“I’ve fought hard to ensure our region gets the infrastructure, regulatory reform and public service investment it deserves. That work doesn’t stop.”

Boundary changes taking place at the election mean the Napier electorate will now expand further into the Hastings district, including communities as far south as Crownthorpe, Sherenden and Whanawhana.

Nimon said she was looking forward to representing those communities and working with them.

“The primary sector is doing much of the heavy lifting to rebuild our economy, so our rural communities need us right behind them.”

Nimon said her approach to the role was positivity, approachability and connection to community.

During her first term she became a mother – an experience she said has strengthened her perspective.

“Becoming a mum has only enhanced my ability to serve our community. It sharpens your focus on delivering safe communities, quality healthcare, strong education and real economic opportunity for the next generation.

“We need to get to work on building the future – growing our local economy, backing businesses, strengthening infrastructure, and delivering better public services for Hawke’s Bay."

Nimon will go up against Labour’s Dr Alex Hedley for the Napier seat in the election on Saturday, November 7.

Jack Riddell is a multimedia journalist with Hawke’s Bay Today and has worked in radio and media in the UK, Germany, and New Zealand.