Southland electorate

Southland is currently held by National's Joseph Mooney, who won comfortably with a margin of 5,645. In 2020, Labour won the greatest share of party votes in Southland – 39% to National's 36%. It is the second-largest general electorate in the country, and has been held by the National Party since its establishment in 1996, including by former prime minister Bill English from 1996-2014.

Simon McCallum

Labour Party

| Not currently in parliament

Simon McCallum

Labour Party

| Not currently in parliament

Why I'm standing

This election is about values. I believe we need Labour Party values given the changes that are coming with AI and technology. As an expert in AI I hope to be able to help shape how we respond as a society. I am standing in Southland because of my deep family roots in the province, and because I think Southland has the potential to benefit from policies that put people ahead of profits.

About me

My role as a lecturer is to engage students. I listen to what the students need and change what I teach to maximise their learning. I will listen to the people of Southland and use by expertise in AI and engagement to suggest innovative solutions to problems. I am also neurodivergent, and my diversity provides new perspectives on problems and solutions which others cannot see.

My priorities
  1. Advocate for funding to increase the number, and diversity of houses being built in Queenstown.
  2. Increase the number of workers in Southland. Business growth has been limited by a lack of staff.
  3. Ensure a just transition for workers whose jobs will be disrupted by AI and technology.
Candidate list rank

70

Current role

Not currently in parliament

Before politics

Senior lecturer

Residence

Mosgiel

Age

48

Year entered parliament

Not previously in parliament

2020 result

Did not stand

Connect via
Why I'm standing

This election is about values. I believe we need Labour Party values given the changes that are coming with AI and technology. As an expert in AI I hope to be able to help shape how we respond as a society. I am standing in Southland because of my deep family roots in the province, and because I think Southland has the potential to benefit from policies that put people ahead of profits.

About me

My role as a lecturer is to engage students. I listen to what the students need and change what I teach to maximise their learning. I will listen to the people of Southland and use by expertise in AI and engagement to suggest innovative solutions to problems. I am also neurodivergent, and my diversity provides new perspectives on problems and solutions which others cannot see.

My priorities
  1. Advocate for funding to increase the number, and diversity of houses being built in Queenstown.
  2. Increase the number of workers in Southland. Business growth has been limited by a lack of staff.
  3. Ensure a just transition for workers whose jobs will be disrupted by AI and technology.
Candidate list rank

70

Current role

Not currently in parliament

Before politics

Senior lecturer

Residence

Mosgiel

Age

48

Year entered parliament

Not previously in parliament

2020 result

Did not stand

Connect via

Compare the candidates running in your local area


Each part of the country is represented in Parliament by an electorate MP. We've asked every candidate about their priorities for your community and why they deserve your vote.

Explore