Former broadcaster Paul Henry has announced he will stand for the ACT Party in this year's general election. Henry says he hopes to serve in government but has ruled out any ambition to replace ACT leader David Seymour.
eLocal Report: Based on reporting by Craig McCulloch for RNZ HERE.
ACT Announces High-Profile Candidate
Veteran broadcaster Paul Henry has officially entered New Zealand politics, announcing he will stand as an ACT Party candidate in this year's general election.
Henry was unveiled at a party event in Auckland alongside ACT leader David Seymour, ending weeks of speculation surrounding the party's promised "major election-related announcement."
No Leadership Ambitions
Speaking later on RNZ's Midday Report, Henry dismissed suggestions he could eventually challenge for ACT's leadership.
"I'm absolutely not interested."
Henry said he had never discussed leadership succession with Seymour and had no desire to pursue the role.
Instead, he indicated he expected to receive a high position on ACT's party list.
"You'd have to be a fool not to put me right up the top."
Why He's Standing
Henry said his decision to enter politics was driven by concerns about New Zealand's future and the country his grandchildren will inherit.
He argued the upcoming election would be one of the most important in recent years, saying New Zealand required stronger policy direction rather than incremental change.
He also criticised the prospect of a Labour-led government, describing it as a "complete disaster", while expressing disappointment with National, which he said had become too centrist.
Henry also criticised New Zealand First's proposal to buy back the Bank of New Zealand, describing the policy as "barking mad."
From Television To Parliament
Henry is one of New Zealand's best-known broadcasters, having spent decades in television and radio.
He previously stood for Parliament as a National Party candidate in the Wairarapa electorate in 1999 but was defeated by Labour's Georgina Beyer.
More recently, he served on the TVNZ Board before resigning following his announcement that he would contest the election as an ACT candidate.
Seymour Welcomes Henry
David Seymour praised Henry's communication skills and public profile, saying he would strengthen ACT's election campaign.
Seymour said Henry would bring "wit, intelligence, and a powerful voice" to Parliament and expected ACT's board would place him in an electable list position.
According to Seymour, Henry is entering politics because of his concern for New Zealand's future rather than a desire for another career.
Independent reporting. Original context. Credited sources.