Former journalist Jessica Rowe named as candidate to replace Chris Penk
Former journalist Jessica Rowe has been selected as the National Party candidate for the Kaipara ki Mahurangi electorate in New Zealand. She replaces incumbent Chris Penk following internal party leadership challenges.
Why it matters
The selection reflects shifting political dynamics within New Zealand's National Party and the influence of media figures entering formal politics.
National has named former Newshub journalist Jessica Rowe as the candidate to replace Chris Penk in Kaipara ki Mahurangi.
Penk, the incumbent MP , pulled his candidacy for the seat after being stripped of his portfolios following a challenge to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's leadership last month.
Rowe worked as a journalist before gaining a Masters in Global Diplomacy and working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Her family runs a century-old haberdashery business in Auckland, has her own wool and property business interests, and co-chairs the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum's emerging leaders programme, and is a board director for the Student Volunteer Army.
She was formerly seconded from MFAT to Nanaia Mahuta and Simon Watts' offices and is now a ministerial advisor in Louise Upston's office.
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