Taupō electorate
Taupō covers the eponymous lake and the towns surrounding it, while also stretching northward to also include towns such as Tokoroa, Putāruru, and Cambridge. The seat is held by National’s Louise Upston and who was re-elected in 2023 with a margin of 24,858. National won the party vote with 45% of the vote, followed by Labour with 22%. The electorate is the only general electorate to have never returned a list MP, though that looks set to change this election, with Labour’s Chris Flatt 20th on his party’s list.
Taupō candidates
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Louise Upston
Why I'm standing
The Taupo electorate is heartland New Zealand and our local economy is driven by tourism, forestry and farming. I'm running in this election to improve the lives of people in Taupo - from Cambridge to Turangi. I'm excited to continue serving our community and our country, as part of the National Party that is focussed on growing the economy to create jobs, lift wages and increase opportunities for all New Zealanders.
About me
I've served the communities of Cambridge, Tirau, Putaruru, Tokoroa, Taupo and Turangi since being elected in 2008. Being available to locals through regular coffee catch-ups, friendly forums, online events and clinics has meant staying connected and hearing what's important in our communities. I'm proud to be a strong voice for the Taupo electorate and deliver for our communities. I've worked hard to ensure our region's priorities are heard and I'll keep doing that.
My priorities
- Ensure the Cambridge to Piarere extension of the Waikato Expressway is completed.
- Grow the number of tourists visiting Taupo so there are more customers for local businesses.
- Ensure the 3rd Medical School in Waikato is completed so there is better access to GPs in Taupo.
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.
