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

Naisi Chen

Labour Party

Why I'm standing

I am running for Parliament because my story and political journey are deeply rooted in Auckland Central. Having cut my teeth organising at the University of Auckland to make Albert Park safer, I know real change happens when communities unite. From our high-rises to Waiheke Island, people are struggling with housing and rising living costs. I want to deliver practical solutions—increasing housing supply, improving public transport, and ensuring every family can build a future here.

About me

I'm standing because Auckland Central deserves a voice that understands both the history and the future being built together. The electorate is at a turning point. I am part of the generation leaving for overseas because they cannot find the opportunities they need. The effort to fight for a future here must be shown to be worthwhile. With a population where 50% were born overseas, the diversity of the area is its greatest strength.

My priorities

  1. Support local businesses to get government contracts, grow exports and foster innovation
  2. Champion our local arts and creative sector so they don't have to choose between art and survival.
  3. Ease the cost of living: cap transit fares, make GP visits free, and lower power bills.

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.