Who is Paul Henry? A look at the veteran broadcaster and ACT’s new candidate
Veteran New Zealand broadcaster Paul Henry has been announced as a candidate for the ACT Party in the upcoming election. The move marks a transition from a long career in media to a potential role in national politics.
Why it matters
Illustrates the trend of media personalities entering the political arena, which can shift public discourse and election dynamics.
No stranger to many Kiwis, Paul Henry has been making headlines for years.
Melanie Earley Senior Digital Journalist 14 July 2026 5 min read Caption: Broadcaster and wannabe politician Paul Henry. Photo credit: Supplied Veteran broadcaster Paul Henry, one of New Zealand’s best-known and controversial personalities, is standing for the ACT Party in this year's election.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in