March 24, 2026

#election2026: Kerrin Leoni confirmed as Labour candidate for Tāmaki Makaurau

Matthew Tukaki Posted On March 24, 2026

Labour has selected Kerrin Leoni as its candidate for the Tāmaki Makaurau electorate, setting up a high-profile contest in one of the country’s most closely watched Māori seats.

Leoni, a former Auckland councillor and mayoral candidate, brings a strong political profile into the race, having previously served on Auckland Council representing the Whau ward and becoming the first wāhine Māori elected to that governing body.

Her selection signals Labour’s intent to mount a serious challenge in Tāmaki Makaurau, currently held by Te Pāti Māori’s Oriini Kaipara following the 2025 by-election. The seat has become a key battleground in Māori politics, with heightened competition between Labour and Te Pāti Māori for influence across the Māori electorates.

Leoni is no stranger to national politics. She previously stood as a Labour candidate in the Waikato electorate and has long been viewed as a potential contender for a return to central government. Her more recent run for the Auckland mayoralty raised her public profile further, positioning her as a candidate with both governance experience and strong name recognition across Tāmaki Makaurau.

Her pathway into this contest comes at a time of transition for Labour in the Māori seats. Former MP Peeni Henare, who previously held Tāmaki Makaurau, has stepped away from Parliament and did not seek re-selection, leaving space for a new generation of candidates to emerge.

The political context surrounding the electorate has shifted significantly in recent years. Te Pāti Māori’s growing support has reshaped the landscape, particularly following its by-election win, and Labour now faces the challenge of reconnecting with voters on issues that matter most to Māori communities.

For Leoni, that will likely centre on cost-of-living pressures, housing, and broader concerns around equity and opportunity – issues that have dominated political discourse across the country and are being felt acutely in urban Māori communities.

The contest is expected to be closely fought. Tāmaki Makaurau carries both symbolic and strategic importance, representing not only a large Māori population base but also a diverse urban electorate where social, economic and cultural issues intersect.

Labour’s decision to back Leoni reflects a push to bring forward candidates with both governance experience and the ability to connect across communities. Her background in local government, combined with her advocacy on issues affecting Māori and Pasifika communities, positions her as a key figure in the party’s efforts to regain ground.

As the election approaches, attention will turn to how effectively Labour can rebuild support in the Māori electorates, and whether candidates like Leoni can shift the momentum against an increasingly confident Te Pāti Māori.

The race for Tāmaki Makaurau is shaping as more than just a local contest. It is emerging as a broader test of political direction, identity and representation within Māori politics – and one that will be closely watched across Aotearoa.