NZ Election 2026

Kaikōura electorate

Kaikōura covers the Northeast section of the South Island, including the towns of Blenheim, Hanmer Springs, and Goose Bay. The electorate is currently held by National’s Stuart Smith, who first won the seat in 2014 and was re-elected with a margin of 20,741 votes. National also won the party vote with 41%, while Labour was in second with 21%. This electorate has only ever been won by National.

Kaikōura candidates

Explore the candidates in your area

Tom Spooner

ACT Party

Jamie Arbuckle

NZ First

Matthew Flight

Labour Party

Oliver Hill Hughes

Independent

Stuart Smith

National Party

Jamie Arbuckle

NZ First

Why I'm standing

I am representing New Zealand First because I agree with the principles of the party - putting New Zealand and New Zealanders first in our decision making. There has never been a time when we must ensure more than ever, that we protect the principles of democracy. I believe New Zealand First is the party with the polices and principles to support our region. I will be a strong vocal advocate for the Kaikoura electorate.

About me

I am a hard worker, good listener, excellent communicator and an active member of our community. Married with four children aged 18-26 and a long involvement in horticulture and local markets, I know the issues the electorate face. I have five terms of local government experience working across all facets of Marlborough District Council. I am the current NZ First Party Whip and have gained valuable experience in my term of being a NZ First MP.

My priorities

  1. Reduce the cost of living by breaking up the supermarket duopoly and energy gentailers.
  2. Investment into ports, roads and bridges, increased access to healthcare and education opportunities
  3. Support Regional development into tourism and primary industries to create jobs and activity.

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.