NZ First pick Northland farmer to stand as Rangitikei candidate

New Zealand First's Rangitikei candidate is Rob Stevenson.

Northland farmer Rob Stevenson has been announced as New Zealand First's candidate in Rangitikei for this year's election.

Mr Stevenson was backing the party's policies aimed at boosting the regions which he said was much needed.

He joined New Zealand First during the Northland byelection in 2015 to help on party leader Winston Peter's campaign.

"The rest is history," he said.

As he got more involved he decided he wanted to stand in an electorate.

"But with Winston being king up there I was looking elsewhere."

Mr Stevenson has Rangitikei connections with his mother born and bred in Taihape and his great-grandparents "pioneers" in the area.

One surveyed Rangitikei settlement blocks for returning World War I soldiers while another was a postmaster at Taihape.

"I think that regional New Zealand is really, really crying out for help," he said.

"We are very urban focused at the moment and I think regional New Zealand needs a shot in the arm."

Mr Stevenson said New Zealand First's recently announced policy to bond tertiary students to New Zealand by offering to pay back their students loans if they stayed was one policy which would help.

"I find that really exciting."

There was a huge spectrum in Rangitikei with wealthy 4th and 5th generation farmers doing well while others were struggling.

Mr Stevenson said his priority was capturing the party vote in the electorate.

"That's what we are all about with MMP and hopefully I'll pick up a few for myself along the way," he said.

"It depends what people think of the cut of my jib."