The re-entry of Shane Jones into national politics as the NZ First candidate for Whangarei, has just added a whole new dimension to the electorate race, and the future of NZ First.

It is quite clear that Jones is the anointed one to take the leadership reins from Winston Peters, at a time that suits Mr Peters. The role is his for the taking, and securing the Whangarei seat would make it more certain.

Although National's Shane Reiti holds the Whangarei seat with a +13,000 majority, Shane Jones is a serious challenger. It will be a two-horse race and one that will be closely watched by the media. Jones is a former Labour Party minister and had the potential to gain support across the political divide, and he is up against a low-profile first-term National MP.

It would be a major upset if NZ First were to take the Whangarei seat, and another kick in the pants for National,  but it has been a year for political upsets: Brexit, Trump, the rise of Emmanuel Macron in France, and the snap election result in the UK. The anti-establishment sentiment felt overseas may well arrive here in Whangarei come 23 September, and Winston Peters and Shane Jones may be the ones in the driving seat. In politics, nothing can be taken for granted.

The views expressed are those of the author alone and may not reflect the views of Better! Whangarei.