Barry among favourites for final National stronghold

Maggie Barry. Photo / Derek Flynn

The selection contest for the last safe National seat in the Auckland area is shaping up to be a race between broadcaster Maggie Barry and a former Auckland City Councillor.

Ms Barry is highly fancied for North Shore where Defence Minister Wayne Mapp is retiring at the November election.

Paul Goldsmith, a former press secretary to three Cabinet ministers, is her closest probable rival, but businessman Michael Single is said to be in with a chance thanks to his local credentials.

Several party insiders have said Ms Barry and Mr Goldsmith were the leading contenders. But given the electorate's high membership numbers, there would be strong local presence on the selection panel, which may work in Mr Single's favour.

Ms Barry lives in the Mt Albert electorate and Mr Goldsmith in Remuera.

Given her high public profile and appeal to voters, National has welcomed Ms Barry's interest in representing the party in Parliament and if she is unsuccessful today is likely to be offered a high spot on the party list.

Ms Barry has already lost out to Jami-lee Ross for selection as National's candidate in Botany, and withdrew from the Rodney contest.

It has also been suggested that if the North Shore selection goes to Ms Barry or Mr Goldsmith, the runner-up may be in the frame to contest Epsom for National against Act's candidate - likely to be Mr Goldsmith's former boss John Banks.

The other candidates vying for National's North Shore selection are accountant Enya Chadderton and former Christian Heritage Party leader Ewen McQueen.