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

Tracey Coxhead

NZ First

Why I'm standing

I was born here, like many generations of my family before me. New Zealand has always been my home, and I have never wanted to live anywhere else. I love this country and want to see us all do well economically and socially. I care about the future of New Zealand and our people. I want our future generations to live in a safe and prosperous country.

About me

I care about our future. I am currently a second-term councillor in Western Bay. It has been a privilege to serve and defend the community I live in. I have spent my professional career in banking, managing large teams of advisers. I have established an investment business, with partners and currently run a mortgage advice business. My tertiary qualifications were attained extramurally. I know how to balance multiple priorities. I live it.

My priorities

  1. Encouraging significant economic & employment growth in the Bay and regionally throughout NZ.
  2. Encouraging sensible, appropriate & enduring housing in this district & nationally.
  3. Ensuring councils are funded adequately to maintain and improve parks, reserves, plantings & beaches.

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.