Paul Goldsmith rules out move to Chris Penk’s vacant Kaipara ki Mahurangi seat
National MP Paul Goldsmith has decided against contesting the Kaipara ki Mahurangi electorate vacated by Chris Penk, keeping his parliamentary return dependent on the party vote.
Paul Goldsmith initially appeared open to switching from his Epsom seat to contest Chris Penk's now-vacant Kaipara ki Mahurangi electorate. Goldsmith's own parliamentary future was in question given National's declining vote share. After apparent consideration of the move, Goldsmith has now ruled out contesting the new seat and will remain in Epsom, meaning his return to Parliament rests on National's overall party vote performance.
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What outlets are saying
NZ Herald
Election 2026: National MP Paul Goldsmith doesn’t shut down suggestion he could run in Chris Penk’s seat
'I am not talking about things like that … time will tell.'
NZ Herald
Election 2026: Paul Goldsmith considering switch from Epsom to Kaipara ki Mahurangi seat after Chris Penk’s exit
Goldsmith is at risk of not returning to Parliament on the National Party list.
1News
Goldsmith weighing a run in sacked challenger's 'beautiful seat'
The veteran National MP's own position in Parliament is in doubt as his party's expected vote share falls to well below three years ago.
1News
Goldsmith rules out Kaipara ki Mahurangi run, will stay in Epsom
The veteran National MP won't contest Chris Penk's now-vacant seat after he said he was "thinking about it", leaving his own return to Parliament tied to National's party vote.
NZ Herald
Election 2026: Paul Goldsmith hints at why he can’t stand in Chris Penk’s seat
Goldsmith revealed the reason in Parliament today.