Dr Reti is a Harvard graduate and former assistant professor at the Ivy League college. His candidacy in Whangarei follows a career in the health sector which included stints in the UK, the US and the Middle East and a strategy and economic development role with NZ Trade & Enterprise.
"It would be a great privilege to commit both my overseas economic development experience, and many years serving the local health sector, to advocate strongly for Whangarei in Parliament", the father of three and former Northland District Health Board member said.
Meanwhile, 32-year-old Tony Milne, national manager of public health at the Problem Gambling Foundation, was selected as Labour's candidate for Christchurch Central on Saturday.
"I will be standing up for the urgent issues facing Christchurch Central now, such as housing shortages, EQC roadblocks and the need for good jobs and higher incomes," he said.
Labour president Moira Coatsworth said members and supporters were determined to bring Christchurch Central back to Labour after Brendon Burns lost it to Nicky Wagner in 2011 by just 47 votes.
She said the electorate needed "a powerful voice in Parliament".
New contenders
National
Wayne Walford: Napier
Shane Reti: Whangarei
Labour
Tony Milne: Christchurch Central.
