Act Party releases 2026 election list with Paul Henry ranked fourth

The ACT Party has released its candidate list for the 7 November 2026 general election. Former broadcaster Paul Henry has been ranked fourth on the list. Henry, who was announced as a list-only candidate in July, is positioned to likely enter Parliament based on current polling.

Leader David Seymour and Party President John Windsor announced the list, which includes a mix of incumbent ministers and political newcomers. Andrew Hoggard, the Biosecurity Minister, has been promoted to third place from fifth. Karen Chhour, the Children's Minister, is ranked fifth.

Newcomer James Christmas is placed seventh and is running in the Tāmaki electorate to replace Brooke van Velden, who is stepping down from politics. Other notable candidates include former school principal Iain Murray at eleventh and intellectual property lawyer Antonia Modkova at thirteenth.

The party's platform focuses on reducing government spending, cutting compliance rules, and upholding equal rights under the law. Seymour noted that the list represents various professions, including farmers, legal experts, and health professionals.

How it developed

• Sun 13 Sep, 3:59pmReport 5 provides specific details on the ranking changes for Todd Stephenson, Parmjeet Parmar, and Cameron Luxton, and includes Seymour's comments regarding the inclusion of controversial figures.

Where reports differ

• Reports differ on the exact ranking of Davina Smolders, citing either 18 or 19

Compiled from reports by NZ Herald, Stuff, 1News, The Post and Otago Daily Times.