DAN14245.JPG John Hayes
Wairarapa MP
Reporter: Christine McKay
Photographer: Christine McKay
DANNEVIRKE NEWS
NEWS HBZ 20Jul13 - Nat
Wairarapa MP John Hayes has announced he will not stand in this year's general election.
Mr Hayes did not return messages left by the Times-Age on Saturday, but it is understood he has informed the Prime Minister.
Mr Hayes, 65, has represented Wairarapa with a substantial majority since 2005, but had lately
earned criticism from his constituency for being more involved in parliamentary and overseas roles.
Labour Party candidate Kieran McAnulty dubbed him "the invisible MP" shortly after Mr McAnulty was announced to contest the seat.
Mr Hayes' announcement is at odds with what had every appearance of a dedicated effort to campaign for this year's general election.
He had organised the printing and distribution of 28,000 copies of The Hayes Herald, a multi-page colour flyer outlining his achievements.
He had also agreed to share a regular political column in the Times-Age with political rivals Mr McAnulty and the Green Party's John Hart.
On Friday afternoon, when the editor called him to remind him about his column, Mr Hayes said he was busy trying to preserve an airline service for Masterton.
Wellingtonian Alastair Scott, who owns Matahiwi Wines in Wairarapa, announced in October he would step forward to contest the National Party nominations for Wairarapa.
He said on Saturday he found out about John Hayes via a text from a friend.
He confirmed he would be putting his name in the hat at the National Party AGM on February 24 and expected "a couple of names" would step up as well.
He warned a candidate might not be chosen at that date.
Mr McAnulty said he wished Mr Hayes well in his retirement.
He said his departure eliminated the "power" of an incumbent MP.
"I'm actually very pleased.
"An incumbent is powerful in politics.
"Overnight Wairarapa has become a marginal seat again.
"The slate is clean, people have to think about who they vote for."
