#election2026: Labour Unveils Election Team as Hipkins Positions Party for 2026 Fight

The Labour Party has unveiled its full candidate list for the 2026 General Election, presenting what party leaders describe as a diverse and experienced team designed to challenge the Coalition Government and offer New Zealanders an alternative vision for the country’s future.

The announcement signals the official beginning of Labour’s election campaign, with leader Chris Hipkins and party president Jill Day positioning the party around three key priorities: affordable healthcare, good jobs and economic opportunity, and housing affordability.

The list combines long-serving MPs with a number of high-profile newcomers from sectors including policing, Māori development, law, local government, business, environmental advocacy and organised labour.

At the top of the list are familiar Labour figures including Chris Hipkins, Carmel Sepuloni, Barbara Edmonds, Willie Jackson, Megan Woods and Dr Ayesha Verrall, reflecting the party’s intention to project stability and experience as it seeks a return to government.

For Māori voters, the list contains a strong Māori caucus presence led by Willie Jackson, Willow-Jean Prime and Cushla Tangaere-Manuel, while also introducing several candidates with significant experience across Māori governance and development sectors.

Among the most notable additions is Kingi Kiriona, who will contest Hauraki-Waikato. Kiriona brings extensive experience across Māori broadcasting, health, education and infrastructure, alongside his current roles with the Waitangi Tribunal and Te Māngai Pāho. His inclusion is likely to attract significant interest across Māoridom given his long-standing involvement in kaupapa Māori initiatives and leadership roles.

The list also features former Wellington Interfaith Council chair and senior police leader Rakesh Naidoo, who enters politics after a career focused on community partnerships, ethnic engagement and anti-racism initiatives.

Former Labour General Secretary and current Dairy Workers Union leader Chris Flatt has also been selected, bringing decades of experience in workers’ rights, industry development and vocational training.

Youth climate advocate Sophie Handford, who first entered public life through climate activism before serving on the Kāpiti Coast District Council, is another new face Labour hopes will help connect with younger voters concerned about climate change and environmental protection.

Legal advocate and social justice campaigner Max Harris has also secured a position on the list, adding a strong public law and community advocacy background to Labour’s ranks.

The inclusion of international business leader Warrick Cleine reflects Labour’s attempt to strengthen its economic credentials. Cleine currently serves in senior leadership positions across KPMG’s Asia-Pacific operations and is expected to contribute to the party’s economic and trade policy discussions.

The release comes as Labour intensifies its criticism of the National-led Government’s handling of the economy and cost-of-living pressures. Party leaders argue that rising household costs, pressure on health services and housing affordability remain key concerns for voters heading into next year’s election.

Labour has already begun outlining elements of its policy platform, including proposals for three free doctor’s visits annually for every New Zealander, measures aimed at increasing access to general practitioners, and the establishment of a New Zealand Future Fund designed to support regional economic development and job creation.

The composition of the list also highlights Labour’s effort to rebuild support among Māori, Pasifika, union members, young voters and urban communities after losing office in 2023.

Several Māori and Pasifika candidates feature prominently throughout the rankings, reinforcing Labour’s long-standing emphasis on representation and diversity. The party says the list reflects communities from across Aotearoa and brings together candidates with experience in health, education, business, community development and environmental protection.

Political observers will be closely watching how Labour’s refreshed team performs as the election campaign unfolds. With Te Pāti Māori seeking to consolidate Māori support, the Greens promoting a progressive alternative, and National defending its record in government, Labour faces a highly competitive political environment.

For Hipkins and his team, the challenge now is turning a diverse candidate list into a compelling political movement capable of convincing voters that Labour offers a credible alternative government.

As campaigning begins to accelerate, the unveiling of the 2026 Labour list marks one of the first major milestones in what is shaping up to be a fiercely contested election year.

The full list features candidates drawn from communities throughout Aotearoa and will form the foundation of Labour’s campaign to return to government in 2026.

Labour Party list for 2026 election

1. Chris Hipkins

2. Carmel Sepuloni

3. Barbara Edmonds

4. Willie Jackson

5. Megan Woods

6. Ayesha Verrall

7. Willow-Jean Prime

8. Vanushi Walters

9. Cushla Tangaere-Manuel

10. Kieran McAnulty

11. Rachel Brooking

12. Ginny Andersen

13. Rakesh Naidoo

14. Tangi Utikere

15. Jan Tinetti

16. Damien O’Connor

17. Jo Luxton

18. Priyanca Radhakrishnan

19. Shanan Halbert

20. Chris Flatt

21. Reuben Davidson

22. Kingi Kiriona

23. Camilla Belich

24. Jenny Salesa

25. Glen Bennett

26. Sophie Handford

27. Deborah Russell

28. Tracey McLellan

29. Max Harris

30. Warrick Cleine

31. Ibrahim Omer

32. Anae Neru Leavasa

33. Georgie Dansey

34. Te Pūoho Kātene

35. Naisi Chen

36. Dan Rosewarne

37. Rachel Boyack

38. Helen White

39. Ingrid Leary

40. Phil Twyford

41. Arena Williams

42. Lemauga Lydia Sosene

43. Kerrin Leoni

44. Toni Boynton

45. Hannah Pia Baral

46. Angela Roberts

47. Estefania Muller-Palarés

48. Anahila Kanongata’a

49. Gary Payinda

50. Alex Hedley

51. Craig Renney

52. George Hampton

53. Dominik Yanzick

54. Rory Paterson

55. Ashleigh Latimer

56. Rata Jamieson

57. Naresh Perinpanayagam

58. Peter McDonald

59. Amanda Clinton-Gohdes

60. Myra Williamson

61. Kharag Singh

62. Janice Lee

63. Sam Collins

64. Sange Malama

65. Rhieve Grey

66. Karl Severinsen

67. Henrietta Hunkin-Tagaloa

68. Fisher Wang

69. Brendan McEnroe

70. Campbell Matthews

71. David Pattemore

72. Nathaniel Howe