Jessica Rowe selected as National candidate for Kaipara ki Mahurangi

Monday 7 September 2026 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Mon 7 Sep, 11:00am

In this story Christopher Luxon, National Party, Louise Upston, Chris Penk

The National Party has chosen ministerial adviser and former journalist Jessica Rowe to contest the Kaipara ki Mahurangi electorate. She replaces Chris Penk, who withdrew his candidacy after being stripped of his ministerial portfolios following a leadership challenge.

How they headlined it

10:17am

1. NZ HeraldMon 7 Sep, 10:17am

   Election 2026: National selects candidate to replace Chris Penk in Auckland seat (opens in new tab)

2. 1NewsMon 7 Sep, 10:35am

   National reveals candidate for safe seat vacated by Chris Penk (opens in new tab)

3. StuffMon 7 Sep, 10:49am

   National selects Louise Upston’s ministerial adviser to replace Chris Penk (opens in new tab)

4. Otago Daily TimesMon 7 Sep, 11:00am

   National candidate to replace Penk named (opens in new tab)