NZ Election 2023

Ilam electorate

Ilam covers the area northwest of Christchurch and includes Avonhead, Bryndwr, Fendalton, Burnside and Upper Riccarton and part of Merivale. The seat is currently held by Labour's Sarah Pallett, who won comfortably with a margin of 3,463. In 2020, Labour won the greatest share of party votes in Ilam – 45% to National's 29%. Prior to 2020, National's Gerry Brownlee had held the seat since its establishment in 1996.

Ilam candidates

Explore the candidates in your area

Mike Davidson

Green Party

Irinka Britnell

Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party

Hamish Campbell

National Party

Sarah Pallett

Labour Party

Raf Manji

The Opportunities Party (TOP)

Chris O'Brien

New Conservatives

Juanita O'Connell

DemocracyNZ

Mike Davidson

Green Party

Not currently in parliament

Why I'm standing

Now more than ever in Ōtautahi and Aotearoa we need green solutions to the complex challenges we face. The only way we can have a government that is focused on people and the future of our planet is by having more Green MPs and this gives me all the motivation I need to be a candidate and to help increase the Green Party vote.

About me

I have extensive political experience, including nine years as an elected member in local government, and six years as a Christchurch City Councillor. Throughout this time, I have represented residents in Ilam and know the issues and opportunities facing us. I have an environmental science degree and have played a key role in improving transport choice and community resilience in Ōtautahi.

My priorities

  1. Act boldly to both cut climate pollution and to prepare our communities for the future.
  2. End poverty with a guaranteed income for all through a fair tax system, so all have a good life.
  3. Protect our environment and restore our rivers, ocean, forests and wildlife to health.

Get across the policies, candidates and parties

Don’t know who to vote for? Policy.nz is the complete guide to the 2023 general election. Compare the parties, candidates and policies to see where you stand.

Policies

Compare the parties’ positions on the key issues this election

Candidates

See the electorate candidates running in your local area

Parties

Learn about each political party, its leaders and candidate list

Things to know...

Your two votes shape New Zealand’s next parliament. You need to be enrolled to vote.

Read explainer

  • Enrol to vote by Sunday 25 October

    You need to be enrolled before you can vote. You can enrol online at vote.nz.

  • Voting day is Saturday 7 November

    Head to your nearest voting place on the day, or vote early from 26 October.

  • You get two votes

    One for a party (the party vote) and one for a person in your area (the electorate vote).

  • Your party vote is the most powerful

    It decides how many seats each party gets in Parliament. That’s what Policy helps you figure out.