The Labour Party has officially released its candidate list for the November 2026 election. Party leader Chris Hipkins described the list as “one that I’m incredibly proud of,” highlighting a “rich diversity of candidates” and a strategy of “significant renewal” aimed at bringing at least 10 new members into Parliament while maintaining an experienced core team.
Labour’s current standing and electoral outlook
Recent polling provides a snapshot of where the party stands as it heads toward the election. According to a 1News Verian poll, Labour is currently polling at 37%, a figure that would result in 47 seats in Parliament if the election were held today. This represents a potential shift from the 2023 election, where the party secured 27% of the vote. However, the final number of seats remains dependent on the party’s performance in individual electorate races and the final party vote count, as noted in the party’s release.
Notable changes to the candidate list
The 2026 list features several high-profile shifts and new additions. Finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds, foreign affairs spokesperson Vanushi Walters, and Reuben Davidson are among the individuals who have seen the most significant movement within the party ranks over the past term. Cushla Tangaere-Manuel, who has represented the Ikaroa-Rāwhiti electorate since 2023, has secured the number nine spot on the list.
The selection process also saw some departures and reassignments. Ōhāriu MP Greg O’Connor did not secure a list position following the abolition of his electorate in 2025 boundary changes and his unsuccessful bid for the new Wellington North seat. Michael Wood, who resigned from Cabinet in 2023 due to a shareholding controversy, is not on the party list but is running as an electorate-only candidate in Mt Roskill. Additionally, senior MP Megan Woods is moving to a list-only candidacy for the upcoming election, stepping away from her role in the Wigram electorate.
New faces and future prospects
The party’s list introduces several first-time candidates who are positioned for a potential entry into Parliament, including police officer Rakesh Naidoo, unionist Chris Flatt, broadcast executive Kingi Kiriona, Kapiti Coast councillor Sophie Handford, barrister Max Harris, and Warrick Cleine. Regarding the campaign ahead, Hipkins stated, “I’m looking forward to campaigning alongside everybody who’s on this list.” The final composition of the Labour caucus will be determined by the outcome of the November vote, alongside the Green Party, which has also released its own list.
