The Act Party announced today that broadcaster Paul Henry will join the party as a list candidate for the 2026 election. Party leader David Seymour confirmed the Act board ratified Henry’s candidacy last night, stating he expects Henry to be placed in an “electable position” on the party list. Henry, who resigned from the TVNZ board this morning to avoid a conflict of interest, will not contest an electorate seat.
Candidate Background and Political Shift
Paul Henry’s move to Act marks a return to partisan politics after a long career in broadcasting. In 1999, Henry previously stood as a candidate for the National Party in the Wairarapa electorate, where he was defeated by Labour’s Georgina Beyer. Reflecting on that history, Henry told reporters he became “enormously disappointed” with National, accusing the party of pursuing populist policies that lead to limited results. He characterized his decision to join Act as a way to keep National focused on core economic and bureaucratic reforms.
Did You Know?
Paul Henry previously ran for Parliament in 1999 as a candidate for the National Party in the Wairarapa electorate, losing to Labour’s Georgina Beyer.
Strategic Stakes for the Coalition
The announcement arrives as Act navigates a challenging polling environment leading up to the November 7 election. According to the RNZ-Reid Research Poll published this morning, Act is currently polling at 7.8%, which would result in 10 seats—a decrease from their current 11. Meanwhile, coalition partner NZ First has trended upward, with a Poll of Polls model placing them at 13.8% and 18 seats. Act currently holds the position of the least popular party within the governing coalition.
Future Ministerial Aspirations
When asked if he was interested in the broadcasting ministerial portfolio, Henry initially said he was not, though he later clarified his intent to serve as a minister if elected. Act leader David Seymour confirmed he had already spoken with Minister Paul Goldsmith, the minister responsible for TVNZ, regarding Henry’s departure from the board. As the election approaches, the party is likely to focus on Henry’s critique of government debt and bureaucracy, which he described as the primary drivers of New Zealand’s economic decline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Paul Henry stand in a specific electorate?
No, Henry will not be standing in an electorate and will instead focus on his position on the Act party list.
Why did Paul Henry resign from the TVNZ board?
Henry stated that his role on the board became “untenable” once he decided to run for a political party.
How does the current polling affect Act’s standing?
Act is currently polling at 7.8% (10 seats) according to the latest RNZ-Reid Research Poll, making it the least popular party in the current National-led coalition, which faces competition from an upward-trending NZ First.
How do you think a high-profile media presence will impact the party’s ability to influence the upcoming election?
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