Todd Muller, one of the Bay of Plenty's most seasoned agribusiness leaders, is putting his name forward to contest the selection to be the next Bay of Plenty candidate for the National Party, he announced today.

Todd is currently a senior executive at Fonterra Co-operative Group and is contending for the seat to be vacated by Health Minister Tony Ryall, who announced he is retiring from politics earlier this month.

Todd Muller will contend for the Bay of Plenty MP seat to be vacated by Tony Ryall in the upcoming general election.

Todd is keen to return home to the Bay where he grew up, worked, married, and where his parents have lived for more than 40 years.

'With the support of local party members I know we can make a difference for all those living in the Bay of Plenty and continue the extraordinary contribution of Tony Ryall,” he says.

'The Bay of Plenty offers so much, our rich natural resources, together with the talents of the people backed by the National Government's investment in local infrastructure makes us a successful regional growth story.

'But like all growth regions, the Bay of Plenty needs a strong and assured voice at the decision making table to meet its ongoing economic and social needs.”

Todd has a long history in the Bay, having completed his schooling there, held senior executive roles at Zespri and as CEO of Apata.

In the last three years, he has worked at Fonterra, most recently as group director of co-operative affairs, reporting to the chief executive.

Todd has been a National Party member for more than 25 years and held positions at branch, regional and national levels.

He worked for Prime Minister Jim Bolger during the National Government of the 1990s.

Todd is 45 and married to Michelle Muller. The couple has three children.