One of politics’ worst-kept secrets has been confirmed: former Federated Farmers president Andrew Hoggard is to stand for ACT in the Rangitīkei electorate at this year’s general election.
This was confirmed by ACT leader David Seymour, who said Hoggard, a Manawatū dairy farmer, is likely to be given a high ranking on the ACT list.
Hoggard said he decided to move into national politics out of growing frustration at the direction New Zealand is taking, saying the policies pursued by Labour and the Greens have made the past six years especially tough.
“When I became president of Federated Farmers, I had a goal to try to make farming enjoyable again,” he said.
“At the time, farmers were frustrated and angry, but things have become worse under this government. Farmer confidence is at all-time lows.”
Seymour praised Hoggard’s three-year role as Feds president, saying he had been at the forefront representing farmers.
“Andrew will make a superb MP and he and Mark Cameron will make a formidable team representing rural New Zealand.”
Hoggard resigned as president of Federated Farmers this week saying rumours he was going to stand for ACT had made that role untenable.
Wayne Langford is the acting president until the federation’s annual meeting later this week.
