Southburn-based farmer Miles Anderson has been selected by local party members as the National Party candidate in Waitaki for the 2023 general election.

Waitaki is the Upper Clutha’s electorate and it is also the third largest in the country, encompassing Wānaka, Cromwell, the Maniototo, the Mackenzie Country and North Otago.

Miles’ selection follows the announcement that the current National MP for Waitaki, Jacqui Dean, will retire at the 2023 election after 14 years as the electorate's parliamentary representative.

See also: ‘Long-serving Waitaki MP announces retirement’

Miles said it was an honour to be selected as the local candidate.

“I’m standing as National’s candidate because only National can strengthen our economy so we can reduce the cost of living, lift incomes, build the infrastructure we need and deliver health and education services which focus on outcomes, not bureaucracy,” he said.

Miles has been a farmer for more than 20 years and has served on the Federated Farmers board and as chair of its Meat & Wool Industry Group.

“As a farmer, I will always be a strong advocate for our primary sector.”

He said he plans to hit the ground running.

“I’ll be getting to work straight away to meet as many people as I can across the electorate to campaign for a National Government.”

The Waitaki electorate was represented by Labour (Jim Sutton) in the mid 1980s. Aside from that, it has been a blue seat since 1938.

The 2023 General Election will be held on Saturday October 14.

PHOTO: Supplied