Summarised by Centrist
Penetaui Kleskovic, son of minister and NZ First MP Shane Jones, says he will consider a move into national politics with New Zealand First after the local elections.
Kleskovic, who is Te Aupōuri iwi general manager, stood for re-election in the Far North District Council’s Ngā Tai o Tokerau Māori Ward. Provisional results indicate he would miss out on retaining the seat.
He told the Herald he will spend the next six months speaking with close advisers and forming a plan to enter national politics, describing himself as a strong supporter of NZ First and an admirer of Winston Peters.
He noted he grew up following Labour but is now aligned with NZ First. Asked about timing, he said he would be ready to “step up” when his father eventually leaves Parliament.
Kleskovic said he is awaiting final local election tallies due 17 October and remains hopeful, adding “God loves a trier.” He thanked supporters and said he had been filming at Te-Oneroa-a-Tōhē/Ninety Mile Beach about iwi land transition and portfolio diversification.
Shane Jones first entered Parliament in 2005 with Labour and returned in 2017 with NZ First; he is Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, Regional Development, and Resources.
Read more over at The NZ Herald
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