Epsom candidates discuss school proposal and empty shops
Thursday 1 October 2026 · 2 outlets · 3 reports · updated In this story National Party, ACT Party, David Seymour, Green Party, Lawrence Xu-Nan
Labour, Green, and National candidates for Epsom have expressed support for David Seymour's proposal to have the government purchase land from Auckland University for a new school. Meanwhile, candidates also clashed over policies regarding empty shops in Newmarket.
Key facts
3 facts
- David Seymour proposed the government buy part of the Auckland University Epsom campus for a new school
- In 2023, David Seymour won the Epsom seat with nearly 18,000 votes
- National Party polling is currently between 27% and 31%
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Candidates for the Epsom electorate have expressed varying levels of support for a proposal by ACT leader David Seymour to establish a new school. The plan involves the government purchasing part of the Auckland University Epsom campus, which has remained empty for years, to create what would likely be a special character school.
Green candidate Lawrence Xu-Nan described the proposal as "actually workable" and noted the need for a public, co-educational high school within the electorate. Labour candidate Camilla Bellich agreed with the proposal in principle but emphasised the importance of consulting the community to ensure existing schools' needs are met. National candidate Paul Goldsmith stated the idea was "definitely worth considering" but noted personal reservations.
During a debate hosted by the Newmarket and Parnell business associations, candidates also clashed over how to address empty shops in Newmarket. Seymour argued that property owners should decide whether to lease premises, stating, "This is a free society where property owners make decisions about whether they lease or not".
Lawrence Xu-Nan countered this by suggesting the Green Party would implement rent reviews for small businesses and allow councils to run rental auctions for spaces vacant for over 12 months. Seymour criticised this approach, calling it "one of the nuttiest proposals, even by the Green standards".
Where reports differ
- One report describes the debate as mostly placid with a rare moment of heated discussion, while another notes the debate had tight rules preventing candidates from speaking over each other
Compiled from reports by RNZ and Stuff.
