George Ngatai stepped down from his New Zealand First candidacy in Papakura just a month after his announcement, following confirmed communications with other political parties, according to a statement issued by the candidate.
George Ngatai Steps Down as New Zealand First Papakura Candidate
Announced in July as the New Zealand First candidate for Papakura, George Ngatai confirmed he communicated with other parties, though he stated that no meetings took place. According to his statement, “earlier this year there was a period of considerable uncertainty about whether I would have the opportunity to stand as a candidate.” The statement noted that the situation was personally disappointing, prompting him to consider what other options might exist during that time.
Screenshots Reveal Communications Regarding ACT and Other Parties
Screenshots of undated messages posted on Thursday morning by the account Shubz Live purportedly showed “Uncle George Ngatai” referring to New Zealand First as “Winston Peters first and then Shane first.” Another message discussed a potential run for the ACT party, reading: “ACT have 2 MPs not returning. They have 11 MPs and expect to get 10 in this year. We need to be in the top 10. If I get the nod then I will start and support. Then my role is to prep you to replace me after a term.” A further message asked to “See if David will consider list for a strong Maori who is more pakeha than pakeha in thinking.” Additional messages showed Ngatai being introduced to ACT leader David Seymour and Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong.
Addressing reporters on Wednesday, David Seymour stated he remembered getting a message but did not think it went anywhere. “If you want to stand for the ACT Party, it’s almost like trying to get into the SAS these days, and I don’t think he would have made it,” Seymour said, adding, “We test our candidates on what they believe, and it sounds like this guy just believed anything as long as it got him into Parliament.”
Team Involvement and Radio Aotearoa Stand-Down
Ngatai’s statement clarified that “a member of his team,” Martel Wikeepa, made contact with people outside New Zealand First. While private communications occurred regarding possible alternatives, Ngatai maintained it never developed into a meeting or a commitment to another political party. Wikeepa runs the Shubz Live account that posted the screenshots.
On Wednesday, Radio Aotearoa—a station owned by Ngatai and his wife Raewyn Bhana—announced an “indefinite stand-down” of Shubz’s show. Meanwhile, New Zealand First deputy leader Shane Jones referred questions regarding what he termed “the woes of George Ngatai” back to the party, remarking that “it’s a tad above the Matua’s paygrade” and that “it sounds as if he bought the same parachute as Mr Stu Nash.”
Political Implications and Future Outlook
Following his departure, Ngatai stated that he would continue to support New Zealand First. As the party moves past the Papakura candidate’s exit, political analysts may monitor how New Zealand First handles candidate vetting and regional representation in the lead-up to the election. Future developments could include the party announcing a replacement candidate for the Papakura electorate, while opposition parties may continue to scrutinize candidate stability across the political landscape.