NZ Election 2026

Auckland Central electorate

Auckland Central covers Auckland’s city centre, suburbs such as Ponsonby, Newton and Arch Hill, as well as the islands of the Hauraki Gulf. It is currently held by Green party co-leader Chlöe Swabrick, who won the electorate with a margin of 16,624 votes and has held the seat since 2020. National won the party vote in 2023 with 33%, followed by the Green Party on 24%. Barring one three year gap, the seat was held continuously by Labour from 1919-2008, but it has not regained it since.

Auckland Central candidates

Explore the candidates in your area

Johan Chang

Opportunity Party

Chlöe Swarbrick

Green Party

Naisi Chen

Labour Party

Antonia Modkova

ACT Party

Christopher Manaia

Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party

Candace Kinser

National Party

Johan Chang

Opportunity Party

Why I'm standing

Now is a time where incredible modern challenges have arrived at our doorstep. I believe I can contribute to, or be part of the solution to tackling some of these challenges. I believe in inclusive representation, effective decision-making, and politicians who actually want to be servants of the people. Instead of focusing on what "isn't possible", I want to look towards what we can do, and focus on moving our country forward.

About me

I started out my professional career as a journalist, so I have significant experience asking challenging questions and investigating difficult topics. I've also learnt how to listen when it really matters, and I know how to manage and deal with people from all walks of life. Importantly, I'm not a career politician. I'm a normal New Zealander who's lived all his life in Auckland, who wants to do some good for his fellow Kiwis.

My priorities

  1. Advocate for good urban design to deliver a climate-resilient city, focused on a solar punk future.
  2. Create more safe spaces for all, and provide greater access to the fundamentals for human dignity.
  3. Drive democratic engagement, civic education, and social cohesion to tackle big challenges, together.

Get across the policies, candidates and parties

Don’t know who to vote for? Policy.nz is the complete guide to the 2026 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.