Liam Kernaghan has been selected as National's candidate in Dunedin South to contest the 2020 General Election.
Liam is currently the senior political advisor to Simon Bridges and the New Zealand Solo bagpiping champion.
"I am incredibly humbled and excited to be chosen as National's candidate and would like to thank the Party for their support.
"I'm looking forward to hitting the streets and earning South Dunedin's trust.
"Dunedin South deserves a strong, reliable voice in Parliament. The people here are working hard to get ahead.
"But under Labour, the Greens and NZ First life has got harder. Their household budgets are getting tighter, rents are up almost $70 a week in Dunedin and despite the talk, petrol prices are still high.
"Right now Dunedin South needs a National Government.
"National has the experience to responsibly manage the economy to ensure it meets the needs of all New Zealanders.
"A National Government would prioritise spending in Health, Education and Infrastructure, would focus on keeping taxes low and relieving the pressure on household budgets.
"Simon Bridges leads a motivated team that knows the issues affecting New Zealanders and will deliver for them.
"Having worked for Simon Bridges, I've seen up close his intellect and understanding of what truly matters to New Zealanders.
"I'm looking forward to hitting the campaign trail and ensuring Dunedin South doesn't waste another three years under Labour, the Greens and Winston Peters."
Biographical Notes: Liam Kernaghan
Liam Kernaghan was born and raised in Dunedin. He attended Maori Hill School and John McGlashan College and was made the 17th Distinguished Old Collegian of John McGlashan College.
Liam has a Bachelor of Laws and a first-class Bachelor of Arts in Politics from Otago University, and was admitted to the bar in 2016. He was also part of the 2013 OUSA Governance and Representation Review panel.
In 2016 Liam worked for Amy Adams in the National-led Government as a political advisor, tackling complex issues like family violence, young serious offenders, gangs, substantial law and imbedding the social investment approach across the Government. He also worked under Bill English as Leader of the Opposition, and he currently is senior advisor to Simon Bridges.
Liam is currently the New Zealand Solo bagpiping champion and is a seven time New Zealand Pipe Band Champion, a European Pipe Band Champion and finished in the top four at the World Pipe Band Championships. He is ranked in the top 50 pipers in the world, having represented New Zealand in Australia, Scotland, Ireland, and France. Liam has also served on several national and international piping advocacy boards including the International Competing Pipers Association.
