New Zealand National Party
Media Release
13 May 2014
Jono Naylor seeks National’s candidacy for Palmerston North
Palmerston North Mayor Jono Naylor has announced that he is seeking the National Party’s nomination to contest the
Palmerston North electorate at the 2014 General Election. The Party’s Palmerston North Pre-selection Committee has
accepted Mr Naylor’s application and confirms it is the sole application.
“National runs a fair and democratic selection process and Mr Naylor’s nomination will still be voted on by a selection
meeting of local party members later this month,” confirmed Regional Chair Malcolm Plimmer.
Mr Naylor’s involvement in local body politics spans the past 13 years. He served as a City Councillor for six years
before his election as Mayor in 2007.
“It is a privilege to serve Palmerston North as Mayor, and while this is not a decision I have made lightly, I firmly
believe that I can better serve the interests of the city through representation at a central government level. I
believe that the best future for all New Zealanders will be achieved through the re-election of a National-led
Government,” said Mr Naylor.
“During my time as Mayor we have seen a significant positive shift in the perception people have of the city, and what
had been a previously divisive council has developed into a cohesive group that have seen positive outcomes for the
city.
“I have worked to help the city move forward and capitalise on its competitive advantages.
“Our city is growing, with population growth that has exceeded the national average for four of the past five years, and
the establishment of a successful model for attraction of jobs and investment into the region including overseas
investment.
“We’ve restructured the Council’s financial policies to ensure we are now repaying debt – something that had not been
achieved in the 14 years prior – and refocused community funding models to ensure they are delivering on outcomes rather
than giving handouts.
“We have successfully resolved the boundary issues with Manawatu District bringing our communities closer together and
have developed a Regional Development Strategy that has set a blueprint for the development of the region based on key
economic drivers.
“Under the leadership of John Key and National, Palmerston North is seeing the benefits of a stronger economy, more
investment in research and development, and a Government which understands the crucial role of education for our future.
“If selected I hope to gain the support of Palmerston North to give our city a strong voice in Parliament after 20
September.”
“If elected to Parliament in September, I intend to resign as mayor of Palmerston North.”
ENDS