NZ Election 2026

Nelson electorate

Nelson covers the area around the city of Nelson, splitting the Tasman region with the West Coast electorate. Alongside the city of Nelson, the electorate also covers the towns of Richmond, Hope, and Cable Bay. The seat is held by Labour’s Rachel Boyack, who was first elected in 2020 and narrowly won re-election by 26 votes in 2023, with a total of 17,541. National won the party vote with 32%, followed by Labour on 29%. The electorate is the only one which has existed continuously in every election since New Zealand’s first parliamentary election in 1851.

Nelson candidates

Explore the candidates in your area

Blair Cameron

National Party

Chris Baillie

ACT Party

Rohan O'Neill-Stevens

Green Party

Jodie Kuntzsch

Opportunity Party

Bruce Dyer

Progressive Aotearoa New Zealand

Rachel Boyack

Labour Party

Julian Crawford

New Zealand Loyal

Blair Cameron

National Party

Why I'm standing

I love Nelson Tasman, and I'm relentlessly positive about our future. We have innovative local businesses, incredibly talented people and one of the best lifestyles in the world. But I believe our potential is even greater. I want young people to see Nelson Tasman as a place where they can build exciting careers, earn good incomes and get ahead, without having to leave the region to find opportunities.

About me

I've worked around the world with Princeton University and the World Bank, but I'm equally proud of my work here at home, from volunteering with Whakatū Rotary to raising $100,000 for Nelson Tasman Hospice. I've spent the past three years championing Nelson Hospital, the Hope Bypass and our local economy. I'll bring that experience and energy to Parliament, as an MP who listens, works hard and gets things done.

My priorities

  1. Stronger local economy: More jobs, higher incomes and better opportunities for young people
  2. Better healthcare: Deliver Nelson Hospital's redevelopment, better cancer care and shorter waitlists
  3. Build the Hope (Richmond) Bypass: Cut congestion, improve road safety and unlock economic growth

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.