NZ Election 2026

Hamilton East electorate

Hamilton East covers Hamilton’s urban eastern half, up to the Waikato River and covers suburbs such as Claudelands, Flagstaff, and Enderly. National’s Ryan Hamilton is the current MP and was first elected in 2023 with 17,950 votes. National won the party vote in 2023 with 43% of the vote, followed by Labour with 25%. RyanHamilton is the first MP in New Zealand history to have the same last name as his electorate.

Hamilton East candidates

Explore the candidates in your area

Naomi Pocock

Opportunity Party

Ryan Hamilton

National Party

Nicola Laboyrie

NZ First

Georgie Dansey

Labour Party

Jacobus Gielen

Independent

Ryan Hamilton

National Party

Why I'm standing

I'm passionate about Hamilton and the Waikato having lived here for most of my life. As a business owner and a former city councillor I understand the opportunities and challenges we're facing. I'll continue to advocate for better health outcomes, improved education, continued progress in law and order and to grow our economy. As the fastest growing city we have plenty of opportunity for job growth and for opportunities for the next generation.

About me

I've spent more than 20 years in business, where I've learned the value of hard work, personal responsibility, and rewarding achievement. As a Hamilton city councillor, trustee, and chair of the Hamilton Christian Night Shelter, I've delivered results and stood up for our community. I believe in creating opportunities for success while supporting those in need. I'm a proven advocate, helping advance New Zealand's third medical school at the University of Waikato, benefiting future generations.

My priorities

  1. Continue to support growth in Hamilton's economy, attract investment, and create employment
  2. Continue to deliver great roads and infrastructure while keeping rates affordable with our rates cap
  3. Continue work on safer communities and law and order and creating abundant housing opportunities.

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.