Candidates hold first election debate on the Chatham Islands
Friday 2 October 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Labour Party, National Party, ACT Party, NZ First, Green Party, The Opportunity Party
In a historic first, political candidates travelled to the Chatham Islands to hold an election debate with local voters. Approximately 40 residents attended the event on Thursday night to hear from those seeking to represent the remote community.
Key facts
5 facts
- The debate took place on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
- Chatham Islanders were first granted the right to vote in 1922.
- The Chatham Islands is part of the Wellington Bays electorate.
- The islands are located east of the South Island in the Southern Pacific Ocean.
- The community consists of about 600 residents.
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Political candidates for the Wellington Bays electorate held a historic debate in the Chatham Islands on Thursday night. This event is believed to be the first time the archipelago has hosted a political debate for a general election.
The debate was held at The Den Kitchen and was hosted by comedian Te Radar. Approximately 40 people attended the meeting to hear from six candidates.
Key issues discussed included the high cost of living and the difficulty of accessing bank loans. Candidates also addressed energy reliance on diesel and the need for infrastructure investment.
There was near consensus among candidates, except for Gerald Warner, regarding government support to excavate a recently discovered waka. Most candidates also opposed seabed mining on the Chatham Rise.
Where reports differ
- One report identifies the electorate as formerly known as Rongotai.
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald and The Post.
