Port Waikato electorate
Port Waikato covers much of southern Auckland and north Waikato, including the major settlements of Pukekohe, Waiuku and Te Kauwhata. The electorate has been held by National’s Andrew Bayly since its creation in 2020, who is retiring this election. In 2023, the death of ACT party candidate Neil Christensen caused the candidate election to be cancelled, and in a subsequent by-election Bayly was elected with 76% of the vote (though New Zealand First was the only major party to contest the by-election). National won the party vote in 2023, with 50% of the vote, followed by Labour with 19%.
Port Waikato candidates
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Casey Costello
Why I'm standing
New Zealand is a country of enormous potential that needs to have that potential unlocked to deliver economic prosperity and social cohesion. NZ has been a world leader and can be again but this requires politicians with practical experience, common sense, and a commitment to working hard. Every three years voters get to decide who will best serve them. I offer experience, common sense and commitment to working hard for New Zealanders.
About me
I have lived and worked most of my life in South Auckland. I have raised my children here, served 14 years in the NZ Police, Pokeno is my home. For the last three years I have been an NZ First list MP and Minister of Customs, for Seniors and Associate Minister of Health, Police and Immigration. I will hit the ground running to deliver the best outcomes for Port Waikato.
My priorities
- Tangible health system reform focused on prevention and keeping New Zealanders well
- Tackling organised crime and the crippling impacts it has on our communities.
- Improving lives for our seniors - housing, connection, safety, cost of living and legal protections
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
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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.
