The National Party has named Rangitīkei District Councillor Coral Raukawa as its candidate for the Māori electorate of Te Tai Hauāuru, adding another contender to one of the country’s most closely watched electoral contests ahead of the 2026 General Election.
Raukawa, who is of Ngāti Apa descent, was born and raised in Marton and has whakapapa connections across Te Tai Hauāuru. She currently serves as a councillor representing the Tiikeitia ki Tai (Coastal) Māori Ward on the Rangitīkei District Council and brings more than two decades of experience in education, employment and community development.
Her selection forms part of National’s wider strategy to contest the Māori electorates and strengthen its engagement with Māori communities while seeking to grow its party vote across the country.
Te Tai Hauāuru stretches from the central North Island through Taranaki, Whanganui and into parts of the Wellington region. It is currently held by Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, making the electorate one of the most significant Māori seats in the upcoming election.
Raukawa says her campaign will be grounded in service, community leadership and ensuring local voices are heard in Parliament. Her background includes work with iwi organisations, social services and Māori broadcasting, experiences she says have shaped her understanding of the aspirations and challenges facing whānau throughout the electorate.
National says Raukawa’s experience in local government and community advocacy makes her well placed to represent the diverse communities across Te Tai Hauāuru. Her campaign is expected to focus on economic opportunity, education, employment, stronger public services and improving outcomes for Māori while working within the party’s broader policy platform.
The announcement comes as political parties continue confirming candidates ahead of the 7 November General Election, with campaigning intensifying across the Māori electorates. Te Tai Hauāuru is expected to attract significant attention as parties compete for support across a region with a rich history of Māori political leadership and strong iwi representation.
With candidates now emerging from across the political spectrum, voters in Te Tai Hauāuru are set for a closely contested campaign that will place issues such as housing, health, economic development, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori representation firmly in the spotlight.
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