Auckland (Avneet Kaur)
The Labour Party has unveiled its candidate list for November’s general election, revealing a mix of experienced MPs, rising stars and more than 30 new candidates as the party prepares for what is expected to be a fiercely contested campaign.
The list determines who could enter Parliament depending on Labour’s share of the party vote and electorate results, with recent polling suggesting the party could secure around 44 seats.
One of the most notable additions is Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo, currently New Zealand Police’s Ethnic, Iwi and Communities Relationships Manager, who has been ranked 13th on the party list. Naidoo is widely regarded as one of Labour’s strongest new candidates and is considered well placed to enter Parliament if Labour performs close to current polling.
Naidoo has held several leadership and governance roles, including serving on FIFA’s Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Committee, Sport NZ and Gandhi Nivas Family Harm Services. He is also a former chair of the Wellington Interfaith Council.
Among Labour’s Indian-origin candidates, Vanushi Walters has continued her rise within the party, climbing to eighth place on the list. Walters returned to Parliament following the resignation of David Parker and currently holds key portfolios including Foreign Affairs and shadow Attorney-General.
Former Cabinet Minister Priyanca Radhakrishnan has been ranked 18th, while former MP Ibrahim Omer returns to the list at 31st. Former Takanini candidate Anae Neru Leavasa is ranked 32nd, while newcomer Naresh Perinpanayagam enters the list at 57th.
Another familiar name for South Auckland’s Indian community is Kharag Singh, who contested the Botany electorate in the 2023 election. He has been placed at 61st on Labour’s list for this year’s election.
At the top of the list, Labour leader Chris Hipkins remains in first place, followed by deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni and finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds.
Several MPs have seen significant changes in ranking. Cushla Tangaere-Manuel has jumped from 20th to ninth place, while Rachel Brooking has climbed from 17th to 11th.
Others have slipped down the rankings, including Deborah Russell, who falls from 16th to 27th, and Camilla Belich, who drops from 19th to 23rd.
The list also features a number of high-profile newcomers, including union leader Chris Flatt, Waitangi Tribunal member Kingi Kiriona, former Kāpiti Coast councillor and climate activist Sophie Handford, lawyer and social justice advocate Max Harris, and business leader Warrick Cleine.
Notably absent from the list is former Assistant Speaker Greg O’Connor, whose Ōhāriu electorate has been abolished following boundary changes. Christchurch Central MP Duncan Webb, who recently announced his retirement, is also not seeking re-election.
Labour Party President Jill Day said the list reflects a diverse and experienced team focused on helping New Zealanders facing economic and cost-of-living pressures.
The release of the candidate rankings marks another key milestone in Labour’s campaign as parties gear up for the November election.
*Labour’s Full 2026 Election List (1-72)*
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
