Taupō electorate
Taupō is currently held by National's Louise Upston, who won comfortably with a margin of 5,119. In 2020, Labour won the greatest share of party votes in Taupō – 45% to National's 33%. Historically the seat has changed hands between Labour and National, though Upston has held the seat since 2008.
Taupō candidates
Explore the candidates in your area
George O'Connor Patena
Why I'm standing
My deep roots in farming and lifelong exposure to agriculture have highlighted the critical dependence of urban and rural areas on these sectors, particularly vulnerable to climate change. Armed with this experiential wisdom, I bring a nuanced understanding to the challenges faced by these communities in the era of climate change. I am committed to fostering resilience and community well-being, drawing on my background to contribute effectively to these crucial conversations.
About me
I'm standing in this electorate because, like all of Aotearoa, we require robust Green Party representation in government. We need tangible solutions and a government that accelerates climate action, ensures a decent standard of living for all, and rejuvenates our natural environment. I aim to be the advocate for my community, striving to ensure that each of us enjoys a dignified life. Achieving this necessitates genuine solutions that prioritise people's and the planet's well-being.
My priorities
- Advocate to ensure Working For Families lifts every family out of poverty.
- Promote free dental. Primary dental care in all communities by 2024 and specialist care by 2025.
- Guarantee a tax free threshold of $10,000 and tax cuts for everyone earning under $125,000.
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 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.
