Tāmaki electorate
Tāmaki covers several of Auckland’s eastern suburbs, including Stonefields, Saint Heliers, and Ōrākei. The electorate is held by ACT’s Brooke van Velden, initially a list MP who won the seat in 2023, though she is retiring at this election. Van Velden won the seat with a margin of 17,858. National won the party vote with 52%, followed by Labour with 17%. Van Velden’s win marked the first time ACT had won a competitive electorate (the party had previously won Epsom, through an electorate deal with National).
Tāmaki candidates
Explore the candidates in your area
James Christmas
Why I'm standing
I'm standing because Tāmaki deserves an experienced and effective MP who can get things done. I've spent years winning arguments as a lawyer and working at the highest levels of government. Now I want to turn that know-how into results for our businesses, infrastructure, beaches, streets and schools. I want a smaller and higher quality state that lives within its means so our kids can build their lives here, not overseas.
About me
I have a traditional view of an electorate MP's job, someone easy to reach, proactive and willing to roll up my sleeves when residents need problems solved. I bring nearly two decades of experience in politics and as a lawyer to the table in order to do so. Tāmaki is a special part of Auckland and needs dedicated, effective representation in the next Parliament.
My priorities
- Push infrastructure before intensification, particularly where the pipes are already failing
- Balance the books and cut red tape, because the cost of living is Tāmaki's top concern
- Tackle crime and anti-social behaviour so Tāmaki's streets and beaches are safe for everyone
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.
