Former All Blacks captain Taine Randell to contest election with NZ First

Former All Blacks captain Taine Randell is preparing to enter politics, with plans to stand for New Zealand First in the upcoming general election.

1News understands the former international rugby player, who earned 51 caps for the All Blacks, will contest the Hawke’s Bay electorate of Tukituki. At 51, Randell is making a transition from sport to public service, bringing with him strong ties to the region.

Randell was expected to be officially introduced as a candidate at a public meeting in Hastings on Sunday. However, the event was called off due to the impact of Cyclone Vaianu, as reported by 1News.

Although he played provincial rugby for Otago and represented the Highlanders in Super Rugby, Randell has deep roots in Hawke’s Bay. He was born in Hastings and educated at Lindisfarne College, strengthening his local connection to the electorate he now hopes to represent, 1News has reported.

The Tukituki seat is currently held by National Party MP Catherine Wedd, setting up a potentially competitive race in the electorate at the forthcoming election.