Know thy constituency

One Tree Hill does not fall within the Epsom boundary. Photo / Glenn Jeffrey

Lesson one for candidates: know your patch.

National candidate Paul Goldsmith has nominated One Tree Hill as one of his favourite places in the Epsom electorate, where he is campaigning for votes.

But the park and its famous volcanic cone are actually in the neighbouring electorate of Maungakiekie.

Goldsmith is running against ACT's John Banks in a pivotal race that will determine whether National has a coalition partner to rely on after November 26.

When confronted, Goldsmith initially tried to back his choice. "It's on the boundary," he said.

Banks - who nominated Mt Hobson - said he was surprised Goldsmith didn't know better.