NZ Election 2023

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.

Southland candidates

Explore the candidates in your area

Naomi Maclean

Vision NZ

Joseph Mooney

National Party

Simon McCallum

Labour Party

Dave Kennedy

Green Party

Logan Evans

New Zealand Loyal

Anntwinette Grumball

Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party

Todd Stephenson

ACT Party

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.

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.