NZ Election 2023

Kaikōura electorate

Kaikōura is currently held by National's Stuart Smith, who won comfortably with a margin of 2,295. In 2020, Labour won the greatest share of party votes in Kaikōura – 44% to National's 30%. National has held the seat since its establishment in 1996. It is New Zealand's fourth largest general electorate by area, covering over 21,000 square kilometres.

Kaikōura candidates

Explore the candidates in your area

Richard McCubbin

Green Party

Emma Dewhirst

Labour Party

Stuart Smith

National Party

David Greenslade

New Conservatives

Ted Howard

Independent

Shaun Brown

Money Free Party

John McCaskey

Independent

Natalie Colello

New Zealand Loyal

Sandra Campbell

DemocracyNZ

Jamie Arbuckle

NZ First

Keith Griffiths

ACT Party

Jamie Arbuckle

NZ First

Not currently in parliament

Why I'm standing

I am representing New Zealand First because I agree with the principles of the Party – putting New Zealand and New Zealanders first in our decision making. There has never been a time when we must ensure more than ever, that we protect the principles of democracy. I believe New Zealand First is the Party with the policies and principles to support our region. It's time to take back our country.

About me

I have over 13 years' experience in local government working across all facets of council. I am a RMA Hearings Commissioner and Chair of the Economic, Finance & Community Committee. I am a hard worker, good listener, excellent communicator and an active member of our community. Married with four children aged 15-23 and a long involvement in farming and fruit growing, I know the issues Marlborough face.

My priorities

  1. Invest in Marlborough Sounds & Picton to Amberley roads; Port Marlborough development & Combined Colleges rebuild.
  2. Fund St Johns, Plunket, Gumboot Friday, Rescue helicopters, Pharmac, aged care & health; no closures.
  3. Reduce the cost of living and be tough on law and order so we are safe in our homes & businesses.

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.