LATEST: A former police detective who has spent the last five years raising awareness of the dangers of methamphetamine has been selected as National's new Northland candidate.

Mike Sabin will replace veteran Northland MP John Carter, who is retiring from politics after 24 years.

Sabin, of Coopers Beach, was the founder of MethCon, which he sold in September last year.

He was selected from a short list of five candidates for the job. The other candidates were Matt King, Ken Rintoul, Mark Tan and Sarah Davies.

Selection was via votes cast by 275 delegates with Sabin being announced the winner on Sunday.

''I am relieved and delighted,'' he said. ''It has been a tense time but a very humbling experience and an honour to be selected.''

Sabin paid tribute to the other candidates, saying his victory was ''bitter-sweet'' as he had been chosen over four good people.

''I actually started thinking about standing three years ago. Now I am going to be delighted to advance the interests of the National Party in Northland to make sure they are returned to Government.

''John Carter leaves a significant legacy which we don't want to lose, so my focus will be on priorities and adding value to the National Party team.''

- © Fairfax NZ News