Marlborough winegrower Stuart Smith would not be drawn yesterday on persistent suggestions he plans to stand for the National Party at the next election, saying it was too early to make a decision.

"I don't think anyone has made a decision yet," the Fairhall Downs winery co-owner said.

National Party Kaikoura electorate chairman Peter Olliver also said Mr Smith had not announced he would be standing, and no-one would be for quite a long time.

"We're just into this current term . . . The only candidate is the sitting MP," he said, but added that MP Colin King had not put his name forward for the next election, either.

Mr King has previously said he would make his intentions clear at the next electorate annual meeting early next year.

Under National Party rules, any party member can seek the electorate nomination.

The next general election is in 2014.

- The Marlborough Express

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