Adam PearseDeputy Political Editor·NZ Herald·6 Sep, 2026 10:17 PM3 mins to read‌He's arrived at Parliament for the first time since being sacked as a minister. Video / Mark MitchellThe National Party has selected former journalist and current ministerial adviser Jessica Rowe to contest the Auckland electorate that currently belongs to sacked minister Chris Penk.

Rowe, a former Ministry of Foreign Affairs staffer, will run as National’s candidate in Kaipara ki Mahurangi after the party concluded its formal selection