NZ Election 2026

Mt Maunganui electorate

Mount Maunganui covers the eastern side of Tauranga and its satellite towns, including Pāpāmoa, Welcome Bay, and Matapihi. The electorate is being contested for the first time in 2026, though its predecessor electorate Bay of Plenty was won by National’s Tom Rutherford in 2023 with a margin of 23,303. Rutherford is standing again in Mount Maunganui. National won the Bay of Plenty party vote with 47% of the vote, followed by Labour on 17%.

Mt Maunganui candidates

Explore the candidates in your area

Cameron Luxton

ACT Party

Tracey Coxhead

NZ First

Rhieve Grey

Labour Party

Tom Rutherford

National Party

Pualele Westhead

Green Party

Tom Rutherford

National Party

Why I'm standing

I'm running for election because I care deeply about the place I call home. Born and raised in Mount Maunganui, I'm proud of what I've achieved as the local MP over the past three years, but there is still more to do. I want to keep delivering practical results on cost of living, infrastructure, healthcare, law and order, and education. I believe in backing aspiration, rewarding hard work, and helping local families get ahead.

About me

I'll make a good elected representative because I'm approachable, empathetic, and committed to helping people. My involvement in the community as a former volunteer firefighter, rugby referee, hockey umpire, and cricketer has connected me with people from all walks of life and taught me the value of service. Over the past three years as MP, I've worked hard to listen, be accessible, and deliver results. Regardless of political views, I'll represent everyone in our community.

My priorities

  1. Grow our local Mt Maunganui economy to create jobs, lift wages, and help families get ahead.
  2. Deliver the local roads and infrastructure needed to keep our growing community moving.
  3. Improve access to timely healthcare, raise educational achievement, and keep our communities safe.

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.