Senior National MP Michael Woodhouse says a lack of diversity in safe blue electorates is what pushed him out.
Woodhouse announced he would only stand in an electorate seat after being bumped down the party list.
His local newspaper the Otago Daily Times reported he thinks that being male is what cost him a higher slot.
But Woodhouse clarified his statement to RNZ , saying the lack of diversity in safe blue seats means the list has to compensate for it.
Woodhouse is the National candidate for Dunedin, which is a seat that has historically voted for Labour candidates.
