New Zealand First is announcing today that Lee Smith will stand for New Zealand First in the Taranaki-King Country electorate at the general election.
Lee Smith has been an active advocate for rural communities and local democracy. She has been involved as a local spokesperson for Groundswell New Zealand, a grassroots movement that advocates for practical policy solutions affecting farmers, rural communities, and regional New Zealand. Groundswell is an advocacy organisation focused on ensuring rural voices are heard in national policy discussions.
Smith has publicly represented Groundswell on local government issues, including speaking on behalf of the organisation during campaigns relating to the Government’s Three Waters reforms, where she advocated for greater local input and accountability in decision-making.
Smith was born and raised in Taranaki and comes from a strong farming background as the daughter of dairy farmers and a former dairy farmer herself. With more than 20 years of experience in business management, retail leadership, and community engagement, she has built a reputation for practical problem-solving, strong leadership, and a commitment to serving local people.
A proud rural New Zealander, Smith combines business experience with a strong understanding of the challenges facing families, farmers, small businesses, and provincial communities. She is passionate about ensuring that decisions affecting local communities are informed by common sense, transparency, and meaningful consultation.
Smith is standing for New Zealand First because she believes our country needs strong representation that puts New Zealanders first, protects our democracy, supports our regions, and ensures future generations inherit a nation they can be proud of.
