Summarised by Centrist
Former broadcaster Paul Henry will stand for ACT as a list candidate in the 2026 election, saying he joined the party after becoming “enormously disappointed” with National.
ACT leader David Seymour said Henry was likely to receive an “electable and respectable position” on the party list, giving him a strong chance of entering Parliament without contesting an electorate.
Henry said National had become too attracted to populist ideas and needed a stronger ACT presence in government to keep it focused on substantial economic reform.
He argued New Zealand should be among the world’s most prosperous countries, but said too many families were struggling with household costs while younger New Zealanders left for better opportunities overseas.
“You can’t borrow your way to prosperity, you cannot tax your way to prosperity and you cannot achieve prosperity with separatism and internal fighting,” Henry said.
He also criticised some NZ First policies as “sugar hits”, saying they might provide short-term political appeal without offering a coherent long-term direction.
Henry floated one major spending proposal of his own, suggesting New Zealand should build a world-class cancer hospital costing several billion dollars. He said wealthy donors could contribute up to $10 billion, with the remainder potentially funded through borrowing, but acknowledged that the proposal had not been costed or discussed with Seymour.
Former Prime Minister Sir John Key welcomed Henry’s candidacy, saying he would bring enthusiasm, humour and passion to Parliament.
Henry previously stood unsuccessfully for National in Wairarapa in 1999. His return comes as ACT polls below its 2023 result and competes with a resurgent NZ First for influence within the centre-right bloc.
Read more over at The NZ Herald and Stuff
