NZ Election 2026

Waimakariri electorate

Waimakariri covers the area directly north of Christchurch, including towns such as Kaiapoi, Rangiora, as well as a few suburbs of Christchurch such as Northwood and Belfast. The seat is held by National’s Matt Doocey, who was first elected in 2014 and was re-elected in 2023 with a margin of 26,816. National won the party vote in 2023 with 43%, followed by Labour on 24%. Waimakariri is the home-ownership capital of New Zealand, with 54% of residents owning their own home, compared to 41% nationally.

Waimakariri candidates

Explore the candidates in your area

Dan Rosewarne

Labour Party

Ashley Bettridge

ACT Party

Jackie Farrelly

NZ First

Richard Wesley

Green Party

Matt Doocey

National Party

Steve Chick

Conservative Party NZ

Jackie Farrelly

NZ First

Why I'm standing

New Zealand has been going downhill in most aspects. I believe New Zealand First is the only party that has policies to fix the broken economy. Once that is on track we can then make realistic lasting improvements in the other aspects of society that desperately need it, such as infrastructure, health, education, housing, conservation, tourism and immigration. Without a strong economy we will continue to slide.

About me

I am a community based rural person, having been involved in church and voluntary community groups over the years. Currently I run a tourism business. I believe that the conservative approach is what made us a brilliant country and that parliament needs people who understand that and have experience in community and business so they are always aware of the impact on communities their decisions have.

My priorities

  1. Farming, removing unnecessary costly interference. Our farmers know their job. Let them do it.
  2. Public transport - encouraging peak hour passenger rail between Rangiora and Christchurch.
  3. Cost of living - this involves several policies including power, food costs and fuel security.

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.