General practitioner and Banks Peninsula local Dr Vanessa Weenink has been selected by local party members as National’s candidate for Banks Pensinula in this year’s General Election.

Vanessa currently lives and works in Christchurch, where she and her husband have raised their family. Vanessa has spent years delivering for the people as a local GP, having served as the Chair of the GP Council of the New Zealand Medical Association and as Deputy Chair of the Medical Association. Vanessa has also held multiple governance positions in the Health sector at the local and National level. 

Vanessa believes the qualities of discipline and service were further instilled in her during her time serving in the New Zealand Army for over 20 years, with operational service in Afghanistan twice and East Timor. 

Balancing art with her professional life has also helped Vanessa see the world slightly differently, as she says it has brought a unique perspective to the way she approaches life, as well as bringing her much joy.

“I’m honoured to have the support of the National Party as its candidate for Banks Peninsula,” says Dr Weenink.

“This fantastic part of Christchurch is my home and I’m getting to work straight away meeting as many people as I can to campaign for a National Government. I’ve spent my career helping people and want to do the same for my community as part of Chris Luxon’s National team.

“I’m standing for National because it’s the only party capable of strengthening our economy so we can reduce the cost of living, lift incomes, deliver better health and education services, build infrastructure and restore law and order.

“If I earn the support of Banks Peninsula to be its MP, I’ll be highly accessible, visible and focused on the issues that matter to our community.”