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
Bruce Dyer
Why I'm standing
I am standing for election because I believe New Zealand can and must do better - a society where economic and political power serves people rather than concentrated wealth and narrow self-interest. I want to help build a more cooperative and compassionate New Zealand, grounded in economic democracy, social justice and care for our environment, and committed to the happiness and all-round welfare of all.
About me
I would bring to Parliament many years of experience working for social justice, community development and economic alternatives. My work in restorative justice, community lending through the Nelson Enterprise Loan Trust, cooperative development and post-capitalist economics has taught me to listen, think independently and look beyond short-term political solutions. I would be a strong advocate for my constituents, while also seeking practical solutions that serve the wider interests of people and the environment.
My priorities
- Strengthen local health services and ensure everyone can access quality care.
- Build affordable housing & encourage co-ops in order to reduce poverty and hardship in Nelson.
- Grow a more self-reliant regional economy that supports communities and protects our environment.
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.
