Napier City Councillor Te Kira Lawrence has been confirmed as New Zealand First’s candidate for the Napier electorate, strengthening the party’s line-up as campaigning intensifies ahead of the 2026 General Election.
Lawrence steps into the role following the resignation of the party’s previous Napier candidate, former Labour Cabinet Minister Stuart Nash. New Zealand First moved quickly to announce the replacement, describing Lawrence as an experienced community leader with a background in public service and local government.
A first-term Napier City councillor, Lawrence currently serves on a number of council committees, including those focused on risk and assurance, community initiatives, flood resilience and waste planning. She also works as an outreach adviser for New Zealand First, supporting engagement across Hawke’s Bay, Tairāwhiti and Taranaki.
Before entering local government, Lawrence built a career spanning health, business management, architecture and the wool industry, giving her experience across both the public and private sectors. New Zealand First says that background reflects the practical skills and regional focus it wants to bring to Parliament.
The Napier electorate is expected to be closely watched during the election campaign, with Lawrence now joining a contest that already includes National’s Katie Nimon. The candidate change comes at a pivotal time for New Zealand First as it continues unveiling candidates across the country in an effort to expand its parliamentary presence.
Lawrence has previously spoken about her passion for community service and regional advocacy, saying her experience as a councillor and working with communities has reinforced her desire to represent local people at a national level. She has also highlighted issues affecting families and regional development as key priorities.
The announcement forms part of a busy election period, with political parties continuing to finalise candidate selections and unveil policy platforms in the lead-up to voters heading to the polls later this year.
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