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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Ted Howard
Why I'm standing
We are in a polycrisis. Our brains are biased for simple certainty over complex uncertainty. That worked for our ancestors, but it doesn't work in our complex world. New Zealand needs to be a world leader in demonstrating real ways out of this crisis. We urgently need global economic reform, if we want a future our children would want to live in. I believe there is nothing more important for our future.
About me
The Cuban missile crisis started me thinking about long term risk and risk mitigation. I have worked to develop both theoretical and practical knowledge across many domains. I have demonstrated the ability to deal with complex issues and developing consensus within diverse `communities. I am committed to a future that minimises risks to people and the ecosystem, and maximises freedom, responsibility, resources and diversity. We need urgent action to avoid the many dangers present.
My priorities
- Drive economic reform. Competition cannot solve all problems. Cooperation is fundamental to survival.
- Promote scientific and engineering research. Economic efficiency killed resilience, we need it back.
- Promote universal income. Basic security will solve most social and mental issues.
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
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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.
