NZ Election 2026

Palmerston North electorate

Palmerston North covers urban Palmerston North and a few outlying settlements such as Bunnythorpe, Turitea and Longburn. The seat is held by Labour’s Tangi Utikere, who was first elected in 2020 and was reelected in 2023 with a margin of 43%. National won the party vote with 34%, followed by Labour on 31%. The electorate boasts the highest percentage of New Zealand sign language speakers in the country out of any electorate.

Palmerston North candidates

Explore the candidates in your area

Tangi Utikere

Labour Party

Bruce McGechan

ACT Party

Netra Ghimire

Opportunity Party

Teanau Tuiono

Green Party

Brian Baker

Animal Justice Party

Ankit Bansal

National Party

Helma Vermuelen

NZ First

Netra Ghimire

Opportunity Party

Why I'm standing

I believe NZ already has everything it needs to become a socially and environmentally just country; what we need now is leadership that empowers people, strengthens communities, and unlocks the full potential of Aotearoa New Zealand so we can continue to punch above our weight and demonstrate how we can live sustainably alongside nature.

About me

Sport, volunteering, and community have always been central to my life - like so many kiwis. Our strength comes from our diversity, connection to nature and community. I believe NZ's strength has always come from ordinary people stepping up for one another. My focus will always be about building healthier communities, creating stronger opportunities for young people, and bringing more long-term thinking into the way we lead and develop the country.

My priorities

  1. The wellbeing of our people - and I'm not just talking about health.
  2. Helping young people find a meaningful pathway to adulthood - after all, they are our future.
  3. Ensuring people who work full time and do an honest day's work can live a decent life.

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.