NZ Election 2026

Waiariki electorate

Waiariki is the Māori electorate of the Bay of Plenty, covering population centres such as Tauranga, Whakatāne, and Rotorua. The seat is held by current Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi who won in 2023 with 21,500 votes and 36.7% of the party vote. Since its establishment, the seat has been a stronghold for Te Pāti Māori. A Labour candidate has only won once since 2005.

Waiariki candidates

Explore the candidates in your area

Pāpā Wharewera

Opportunity Party

Tania Waikato

Green Party

Rawiri Waititi

Te Pāti Māori

Toni Boynton

Labour Party

Pāpā Wharewera

Opportunity Party

Why I'm standing

I was inspired by the uplifting conversations with the diverse range of people I have met along life's journey. Many found resonance with my perspective and my approach of a united approach towards a more prosperous future for us all. Building a future where no one gets left behind and the success of an economy that depends on a healthy environment. Service has always been a passion of mine.

About me

Life so far has taught me many valuable skills whilst presenting me with the wisdom of direct experience. As a professional sportsman, serviceman of the NZ Army and Fire and Emergency, I have worked in the highest pressure situations where often lives were at stake. To remain cool, calm and collected with what is presented in front of you and search for the best solution to succeed is what I learnt to be good at.

My priorities

  1. Honouring Te Tiriti - Constitutional Transformation.
  2. Uplift our people out of hardship and address the cost of living.
  3. Care for our natural environment. Create an economy that is dependent on a healthy environment.

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.