NZ Election 2026

Taranaki-King Country electorate

Taranaki-King Country covers much of the north-western North Island, stretching to include towns such as Raglan, Te Awawmutu, and Inglewood. The seat is held by National’s Barabara Kurgier, who has held the election since 2014 and who won re-election in 2023 with a margin of 24,760. National won the party vote with 47%, followed by Labour with 17%. The first MP to hold the seat between 1996 and 1998 was the former Prime Minister Jim Bolger.

Taranaki-King Country candidates

Explore the candidates in your area

Ivana Jovicic

ACT Party

Lee Smith

NZ First

Barbara Kuriger

National Party

David Pattemore

Labour Party

Phil McCabe

Green Party

Lee Smith

NZ First

Why I'm standing

I'm standing as your New Zealand First candidate for Taranaki–King Country because I believe our communities deserve a strong, independent voice in Parliament. I want to stand up for people who work hard, raise families and contribute to our towns and rural communities. Local decision-making should stay local, with communities having a real say in their future. I want common sense restored at every level, practical solutions delivered, waste reduced, and New Zealanders put first.

About me

Born and bred in the TKC electorate, I have deep roots and a genuine understanding of the people and communities I seek to represent. As a small business owner, former dairy farmer, mother, grandmother, and through years of rural advocacy, I understand the pressures facing families, farmers and businesses. I'm solutions-focused, practical and prepared to challenge red tape and productivity-killing legislation. I will listen, advocate strongly and deliver outcomes for our communities and New Zealand.

My priorities

  1. Exit the Paris Accord. Protect our rural economy and farmers. Cut red tape and back productivity.
  2. Secure affordable energy. Create regional jobs & encourage growth by using our own resources.
  3. Keep local decisions local. Ensure decisions affecting us are made by people who live and work here.

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.