16 Dec 2013

Christine Rankin considers contesting seat

1:37 pm on 16 December 2013

Conservative Party chief executive Christine Rankin says she is gearing up for a strong contest if she stands at next year's general election.

The party has asked Ms Rankin to contest the new seat of Upper Harbour, established because of population growth in Auckland, where it is likely she would be up against National MP Paula Bennett.

Ms Rankin told Radio New Zealand's Morning Report programme she is polling strongly and, if she accepts the invitation to stand, will throw everything she has into the campaign.

Ms Rankin says she and Mrs Bennett are both strong women who share similar backgrounds and it is likely it would be a fierce contest.