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THURSDAY JANUARY 22, 2026
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teawamutunews.nz
JANUARY 22, 2026
MP wants a high five
By Mary Anne Gill
National Party MP Barbara Kuriger has confirmed she intends to seek re-election for a fifth term representing the Taranaki-King Country electorate, despite rumours suggesting otherwise. Speaking ahead of the party’s caucus meeting in Christchurch this week, Kuriger dismissed speculation about her future, saying she remains committed to serving her constituents. “I’m not planning to make any announcements this week or at all,” she said. “My selection’s not yet confirmed, but I’m planning on staying around.” Kuriger, 65, who entered Parliament in 2014, holds one of the largest electorates in the country - a sprawling rural seat that includes Raglan to the north and will soon expand south to include Taumarunui. It covers three regional councils and seven district councils. At the 2023 election she secured 24,760 votes to easily beat Labour’s Angela Roberts by 14,000. Since then, she has been deputy speaker of the House, a job she relishes. She acknowledges the challenges of covering such a vast area. “Yes, it’s big and you can’t be everywhere every day, but I love it. I wouldn’t swap it for some tiny little place, that’s for sure.” Kuriger, who collected her gold card last year, is upbeat about continuing in politics suggesting that 65 is the new 45. “When we were growing up, men retired at 60 and many passed away soon after. Life just isn’t like
that anymore - there’s so much you can do at 65.” Kuriger also reflected on her enjoyment of parliamentary duties, particularly her role as assistant speaker. “I love it. I haven’t had to chuck anyone out yet because I build respect. If I have to tell someone off, it’s because I’m operating from the rule book, not because I don’t like people.” While the formal selection process is still underway, Kuriger says she has not been approached by anyone intending to challenge her for the seat. “Last time we had an inkling there was a contest, but at the moment I’m not aware of anything specific.” Because of the size of the electorate, Kuriger spends considerable time on the road, often splitting her time between her Taranaki farm and a base in Te Awamutu. “Seventy per cent of the people I represent are within an hour of Te Awamutu,” she says. “It makes the job achievable.” Kuriger’s commitment comes as Prime Minister Christopher Luxon prepares to announce the election date later this week, amid speculation that several longserving MPs may retire. For now, Kuriger says she is “pretty keen to stay around” and continue representing her rural community. In the coming weeks she and husband Louis intend travelling to the south of the electorate - heading down the Whanganui River to the Bridge to Nowhere and Blue
Duck Station on the banks of the Whanganui and Retaruke rivers. “Every year we tend to do a great walk somewhere and this year we’ve decided the walk will be this epic tour of the Whanganui River. I
love the electorate, and I’m up for it to give it another go.” Meanwhile Taupō MP Louise Upston – one of the busiest members in the house with five portfolios – has confirmed she is
also standing. The 54-year-old, who married long term partner Hamish Craig last month in Cambridge, has been an MP since 2008 and is into her sixth term.
Thoroughly prepared
There was a lot of work going on behind the scenes at Breckon Farms to make the 35 yearlings look their best in the parade ground at the Ōhaupō standardbred breeding and training facility this week. Out came the baby oil, hair spray, brushes and hoof polish to have the Class of 2026 primed and ready for the 80 plus potential buyers. All were born on the property including this brown filly, pictured with Jade Davidson of Pirongia, which foaled on October 3, 2024, the progeny of leading Woodlands Stud sire What the Hill and Breckon broodmare Love Ya Doosie. Next big show is the National Standardbred Yearling Sale at Karaka, South Auckland next month. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
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