NZ Election 2023

Port Waikato electorate

Port Waikato is currently held by National's Andrew Bayly, who won comfortably with a margin of 4,313. In 2020, Labour won the greatest share of party votes in Port Waikato – 40% to National's 36%. Due to the death of a candidate during the campaign, a by-election will be held for the Port Waikato seat on 25 November 2023. Voters in Port Waikato can still cast a party vote on 14 October, but votes for the electorate candidate will not be counted.

Port Waikato candidates

Explore the candidates in your area

Karla Buchanan

Green Party

Vijayendra Sudhamalla

Vision NZ

Scotty Bright

DemocracyNZ

Kim Turner

New Zealand Loyal

Anna Rippon

Animal Justice Party

Neil Christensen

ACT Party

Andrew Bayly

National Party

Gwendoline Keel

Labour Party

Casey Costello

NZ First

Gwendoline Keel

Labour Party

Not currently in parliament

Why I'm standing

I'm standing for Labour because I believe in a just, fair, and equitable society where no-one is left behind. The Port Waikato electorate sits between two of our nation's largest cities and is growing and changing fast. I want to use the skills I've honed as a commercial lawyer, board member, and community advocate to work with our local businesses, authorities, and residents to effect real outcomes, so everyone can work hard and get ahead.

About me

I'm an experienced commercial lawyer and not-for-profit governance and management specialist. Outside work I've consistently been involved in the charitable and economic development sector as a director, committee member, and volunteer. Government support and policy direction are vital to people, families, and businesses in achieving their goals. I'm a single mum. I want my daughter to be able to grow up and succeed in Aotearoa New Zealand as I was able to.

My priorities

  1. Implement and support Labour's positive, forward-looking solutions to the cost of living.
  2. Support working families by making sure they can access the support they need when they need it.
  3. Encourage schools to provide students with practical financial skills they will use for life.

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.