Christchurch Central electorate

Christchurch Central covers much of inner Christchurch as well as bits from adjoining suburbs such as Sydenham, Beckenham, and Richmond. The electorate has been held by Labour’s Duncan Webb since 2017, who won re-election with 15,553 votes in 2023. National won the party vote in 2023 with 31%, followed by Labour at 28%. In 2011, preliminary results saw a tie on election night, with special votes eventually giving the electorate to National for the first time in its history by just 2 votes.

Christchurch Central candidates

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Eden Skipper

Opportunity Party

Why I'm standing

I'm a big believer in Opportunity, as I'm convinced that together we can be a political catalyst and steady voice of reason in Aotearoa. Let's have sound policy based on evidence and community voice, and our country and people can be much better off.

About me

I bring experience in Māori development, environmental restoration and research into alternative economic futures. I serve my marae and Ngāi Tahu whānui, having worked across government, community organisations and academia. Elected representatives, in my view, should make informed, evidence-based opinions, listen to diverse community voices and meaningfully work with other parliamentarians for the betterment of our country. I can do that. I was born and raised in Banks Peninsula and have lived abroad.

My priorities

  1. A national bed register to crack down on units being used for short-stays without permission.
  2. A stronger Canterbury voice in Parliament; we only have two Cabinet Ministers from the South Island.
  3. Fair transport funding for the South Island's long-term infrastructure needs.

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

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Things to know...

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