NZ Election 2026

Botany electorate

Botany covers much of East Auckland, including the suburbs of East Tamaki, Flat Bush, Somerville, and Botany. Since 2020, it has been held by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who easily won re-election with a margin of 24,769 votes. National also won a majority of the party vote at 58%, more than double second-placed Labour’s 22%. The electorate is diverse, boasting a higher proportional Pasifika and Asian population than the rest of New Zealand.

Botany candidates

Explore the candidates in your area

Neru Leavasa

Labour Party

Ali Dahche

ACT Party

Christopher Luxon

National Party

Craig Stobo

NZ First

Neru Leavasa

Labour Party

Why I'm standing

I'm running because Botany deserves visible leadership that listens, understands the pressures families face, and delivers practical solutions. As a specialist GP, I've spent years serving communities across South and East Auckland and have seen first-hand the challenges of rising costs, access to healthcare, housing and supporting our young people. Having served in local government and Parliament, I want to use that experience to be a strong voice for Botany and help our community thrive.

About me

I bring experience, compassion and a strong record of public service. As a specialist GP, former MP and former local board member, I understand how government decisions affect people's everyday lives. I know how to advocate effectively, navigate government and get things done. I believe good representation means listening, being accessible and showing up. I will work hard across Botany's diverse communities, build strong relationships and be a practical, effective voice for everyone I represent.

My priorities

  1. Ease cost-of-living pressures so working families can afford the basics and build a better future.
  2. Strengthen local healthcare so Botany families can access timely, affordable care close to home.
  3. Support local small businesses to grow, create jobs and build a stronger Botany economy.

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.