Opshop singer Jason Kerrison throws hat into Northland council race

Sunday, 18 August 2019

Musician Jason Kerrison is now turning his talents to local body politics, running for a council seat in the Far North.

Singer, songwriter and celebrity TV judge Jason Kerrison is turning his talents to local politics.

The musician, who now lives in Northland's Kaitaia, is standing in the Te Hiku Ward of the Far North District Council elections.

Jason Kerrison is at home in front of a crowd but his political experience is unknown.

He faces a crowded field, with 15 candidates competing for three seats.

Kerrison is the frontman of rock band Opshop and is the talent behind multi-platinum singles One Day and Maybe.

Former Green MP and activist Sue Bradford is also competing for a council seat in the Far North.

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The singer, songwriter and producer is well-known for being a judge on hit TV show New Zealand's Got Talent.

He was also this year's host for TV reality series XVenture Family Challenge.

Kerrison won an APRA Silver Scroll Award in 2008 and was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to music in the 2011 Queen's Birthday honours.

But he faces stiff opposition for the title of councillor, in the race which includes activist and former Green MP Sue Bradford.

He will also come up against experience, with incumbents Felicity Foy and Mate Radich standing again.

The other candidates are social worker Jaqi Brown, David Collard, Lillian Karaka, Barry Murray, Mark Osborne, Lyle Painting, JT Tahana, Niki Tauhara, Hazely Windelborn and Sacha Kearney Yanke.

The Te Hiku Ward is the most northern council seat in the country.