Kapiti electorate
Kapiti covers the northernmost suburbs of Porirua and the Kapiti Coast, including Paraparaumu, Ōtaki, and Plimmerton. The electorate has been recreated for the 2026 election, and is expected to be competitive as the two predecessor electorates, Mana, and Ōtaki, were safe seats for Labour and National. The predecessor Kapiti electorate, which existed between 1972 and and 1993 was similarly competitive, being held by two MPs for Labour and two MPs for National.
Kapiti candidates
Explore the candidates in your area
Penny Gaylor
Why I'm standing
After 17 years representing Kapiti in local government, I've joined the NZ First team to represent people in Parliament. I've long championed responsible environmental stewardship, while making the most of our abundant natural resources. I support NZ First because we recognise the two can go hand in hand. By reforming the RMA and introducing fast-track consenting, we can unlock responsible development, create well-paid jobs in our regions, and help return New Zealand to prosperity.
About me
As well as 17 years as a councillor, I'm the Chair of the Otaki College Board, and previously was on the Board of Te Waananga o Raukawa. I have an Honours Degree in Politics from Victoria University. Through my perseverance and dedication to this community, I've helped secure new electric trains for our region, which will bring many more weekday and weekend services to our community. The investment will bring huge economic benefits to our region.
My priorities
- Cost of living is top of mind for all households.
- Well-paid jobs in the provinces, not just the cities, to support our provincial communities.
- Responsible environmental stewardship, while making the most of abundant natural resources.
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 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.
