New Zealand First unveils party list with newcomers ahead of sitting MPs

New Zealand First has released its candidate list for the 2026 election, featuring several new candidates ranked ahead of current caucus members. Winston Peters remains at the top of the list, followed by Shane Jones, Casey Costello, and Mark Patterson.

New candidates Alfred Ngaro, Michael Laws, Harete Hipango-Brownlie, Craig Stobo, and Taine Randell have taken higher rankings than sitting MPs Jenny Marcroft, Andy Foster, Dr David Wilson, and Jamie Arbuckle. Jamie Arbuckle has dropped seven places from 6th to 13th. The four demoted incumbents previously held the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 9th positions in 2023.

The list includes former National minister Alfred Ngaro in fifth place and broadcaster Michael Laws in sixth. Other high-ranking newcomers include former Financial Markets Authority chair Craig Stobo and former All Blacks captain Taine Randell. Former defence minister Ron Mark is ranked 16th.

A party spokesperson described the list as “a formidable line-up of experienced, talented, and principled leaders ready to put New Zealanders First”. Murray Chong is ranked 50th on the list.

How it developed

• Wed 7 Oct, 2:46pmThe report notes that the top four candidates on the list are the same as those in 2023.

Where reports differ

• One report suggests the party would receive 12 seats based on a 1News-Verian poll, while another suggests 13 seats based on an RNZ-Reid Research poll

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