Hamilton West electorate
Hamilton West covers Hamilton’s western half, up until the Waikato River which dives it from Hamilton East. It covers suburbs such as Nawtown, Fitzroy, and Melville. Tama Potaka has been the MP since winning the seat in a 2022 by-election and won re-election with a margin of 17,595. National also won the party vote in 2023 with 41% of the vote, followed by Labour on 26%. The seat is regarded as a bellwether seat, as with the exception of 1993, the seat has always been won by the party which won the plurality of the vote.
Hamilton West candidates
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Blair Smith
Why I'm standing
I'm running because after 15 years as a paramedic, I've seen what happens when our systems work, and when they fail people. I want to bring that frontline experience to Parliament and focus on practical, evidence-based solutions to the challenges facing Hamilton West and New Zealand. I've spent my career helping people one patient at a time. Running for Parliament is an opportunity to improve the systems that shape people's lives in the first place.
About me
15 years as a paramedic has taught me to listen, make difficult decisions, communicate clearly and remain accountable for those decisions. I've worked across rural, provincial and urban communities, giving me perspective on the challenges New Zealanders face. I believe good politics should be practical, evidence-based and focused on outcomes rather than ideology. I'll listen to my community, challenge ideas when necessary.
My priorities
- Clean up politics by increasing transparency, accountability and trust in government.
- Reset our tax system to reward work, reduce inequality and make housing more affordable.
- Build a breakthrough economy with higher productivity, better jobs and greater opportunity.
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.
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Things to know...
Your two votes shape New Zealand’s next parliament. You need to be enrolled to vote.
Read explainerEnrol 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.
