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
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Stuart Smith
Why I'm standing
I will continue to advocate for the Kaikoura electorate in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis and get our economy back on track. We must address our broken healthcare system and promote equitable access to healthcare and funding; the delivery of more affordable housing and provision for critical funding to repair roads following two successive weather events; the deregulation of the convoluted RMA, and responsible environmental protection, including eliminating wilding pines.
About me
A fifth generation Cantabrian farmer who moved to Marlborough in 1994 to follow my interest in viticulture, I know this region. I understand its potential and I understand its challenges. I have a strong background in agriculture, environmental matters, and governance, and have represented Kaikoura electorate on multiple significant issues in Parliament since 2014. I have experience in effecting change! I'm deeply committed to promoting our local communities and actively advocate on their behalf.
My priorities
- Repair and rebuild the storm damaged roads in the Marlborough Sounds.
- More passing lanes from Picton to Christchurch and replacement of the Hurunui Bridge.
- More access to health care in the Kaikoura electorate.
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
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Candidates
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Parties
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Things to know...
Your two votes shape New Zealand’s next parliament. You need to be enrolled to vote.
Read explainerEnrol 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.
