Trans-Atlantic rower Rob Hamill stands for Greens

Trans-Atlantic rowing race winner Rob Hamill is the Green Party's candidate for Taranaki-King Country.

He said today he would be campaigning for the party vote in the safe National seat.

"It's clear that the Greens are the only party with a commitment to driving policy towards a sustainable future," he said.

"Serious issues like the scary implications of genetically engineered food barely register with the major parties as they lock horns over tax and interest rate cuts."

Hamill and Phil Stubbs won the race in 1997 in a world record time of 41 days and two hours.

Green's co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons said he had the qualities the party needed.

Hamill is ranked 56 on the party's list, which means he won't make it into Parliament.

- NZPA