The ACT party has a new president - former parliamentary leader John Boscawen.

Boscawen, who takes over in February, admits his task is a "difficult one."

A routing at the 2011election saw its MPs dwindle to one: John Banks. 

Banks - a minister outside cabinet - was dogged by allegations about campaign donations last year, but cleared in a police investigation.

"I believe the ACT Party has an important role to play in Parliament...I believe it is vitally important that ACT is successful in 2014 and returns to Parliament in greater numbers.  

"I will be doing all I can to make that happen," he said.  

Boscawen, former consumer affairs minister, is taking over from businessman Chris Simmons, who has held the position since 2010.

The party has also announced it will hold it's annual conference next month at the home of multi-millionaire and support Alan Gibbs.

The 1000-acre Gibbs farm and sculpture park, at Kaukapakapa, Kaipara, is home to major contemporary artworks as well as zebras, giraffes, yaks and water buffalo.

Gibbs, known for his quirky amphibious vehicle inventions, will address the conference, alongside Banks.

- © Fairfax NZ News