New Plymouth Deputy Mayor Murray Chong will contest the upcoming election as a New Zealand First candidate.
The party announced Chong as a candidate on Friday, saying he was a “dedicated local advocate” and previous business owner.
He served 13 years consecutively on council, before being chosen as deputy mayor in 2025.
“He is popular for his strong beliefs in honest public service, bureaucratic transparency and prudent use of public money,” the party stated.
Chong previously stood as a candidate for New Zealand First in 2017.
“His campaign is anchored on growing our local economy through a return to oil and gas, protecting national sovereignty and restoring democracy by embracing ‘one country, one people, one law, one flag’,” the party said.