Labour Unveils Election List Featuring 30 New Candidates

Labour has unveiled its candidate list for the November election, introducing 30 new candidates and signalling a significant refresh of the party's parliamentary team as it seeks to return to government.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins unveils the party's candidate list for the November election. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Labour has unveiled its candidate list for the November election, introducing 30 new candidates and signalling a significant refresh of the party's parliamentary team as it seeks to return to government.

The list provides the clearest indication yet of who Labour believes will form the backbone of its next parliamentary caucus, with leader Chris Hipkins describing the line-up as one of the most diverse and experienced the party has assembled.

According to recent polling cited by RNZ, Labour would currently be projected to secure around 44 seats in Parliament, making rankings inside the top half of the list particularly significant.

Hipkins Highlights Experience And Diversity

Chris Hipkins said assembling the list had been a difficult process given the depth of talent seeking selection.

"There's two Rhodes scholars, two Fulbright scholars, and a variety of experiences in all of our communities up and down New Zealand, from business to farming to the community sector to the public sector."

Labour Party President Jill Day said the final list reflected modern New Zealand and brought together candidates with a wide range of skills and life experiences.

Rakesh Naidoo Ranked High On Debut

One of the most notable newcomers is Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo, who enters the list at number 13 and is almost guaranteed a place in Parliament if Labour achieves polling close to current levels.

Naidoo currently serves as Police Ethnic, Iwi and Communities Relationships Manager and has become one of the most discussed new candidates following his transition into politics.

Hipkins described him as a "trailblazer" who would bring a unique set of skills and perspectives to Parliament.

Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo has been ranked 13th on Labour's party list. Photo: Supplied

"He's got some amazing ideas about how New Zealand can really embrace multiculturalism and bring communities together."

Big Movers Up The Rankings

Several sitting MPs have received significant promotions.

Cushla Tangaere-Manuel recorded one of the largest rises, climbing 11 places to ninth on the list. Vanushi Walters continues her rapid rise within Labour, moving from 12th to eighth after being entrusted with several major portfolios. Rachel Brooking also climbed strongly, rising eight places to 11th.

These movements suggest Labour's leadership is rewarding MPs who have become increasingly prominent within the caucus over the past parliamentary term.

Some Senior MPs Slide Down

Not all MPs benefited from the reshuffle.

Camilla Belich fell four places to 23rd, while Deborah Russell dropped from 16th to 27th, placing her much closer to the margin depending on Labour's final election result.

Despite the lower ranking, Hipkins expressed confidence Russell would return to Parliament.

"She's a very, very valuable member of our team."

New Faces Join The Team

Among Labour's most prominent new candidates are:

• Chris Flatt, leader of the Dairy Workers Union.
• Kingi Kiriona, Waitangi Tribunal member and deputy chair of Te Māngai Pāho.
• Sophie Handford, former School Strike 4 Climate leader and Kāpiti Coast councillor.
• Max Harris, lawyer and social justice campaigner.
• Warrick Cleine, standing as a list-only candidate.

The inclusion of candidates from business, unions, local government, academia and community organisations reflects Labour's effort to broaden its appeal ahead of the election.

Labour Party President Jill Day and leader Chris Hipkins discuss the new election list. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Greg O'Connor Exits Parliament

One of the most notable absences is Assistant Speaker Greg O'Connor.

O'Connor has held the Ōhāriu electorate since 2017, but boundary changes have eliminated the seat. Hipkins said O'Connor chose not to seek a list position after considering his future.

The only other current Labour MP absent from the list is Duncan Webb, who previously announced his retirement from politics.

Labour Positions For November Battle

The list gives voters their first comprehensive look at Labour's election team and provides insight into who the party expects to play key roles in the next parliamentary term.

With 30 newcomers included and several significant ranking changes among existing MPs, Labour is presenting a refreshed team while maintaining a core of experienced parliamentary figures around Chris Hipkins.

As campaigning intensifies over the coming months, the rankings released this week will play a major role in determining who ultimately enters Parliament should Labour improve on its 2023 result.

Labour's 2026 list:

1. Chris Hipkins

2. Carmel Sepuloni

3. Barbara Edmonds

4. Willie Jackson (up from 5)

5. Megan Woods (down from 4)

6. Ayesha Verrall

7. Willow-Jean Prime (up from 8)

8. Vanushi Walters (up from 12)

9. Cushla Tangaere-Manuel (up from 20)

10. Kieran McAnulty (down from 7)

11. Rachel Brooking (up from 17)

12. Ginny Andersen (down from 9)

13. Rakesh Naidoo - new candidate

14. Tangi Utikere (down from 11)

15. Jan Tinetti (down from 10)

16. Damien O'Connor (up from 18)

17. Jo Luxton (down from 15)

18. Priyanca Radhakrishnan (down from 14)

19. Shanan Halbert (up from 28)

20. Chris Flatt - new candidate

21. Reuben Davidson (down from 13)

22. Kingi Kiriona - new candidate

23. Camilla Belich (down from 19)

24. Jenny Salesa (down from 23)

25. Glen Bennett (down from 21)

26. Sophie Handford - new candidate

27. Deborah Russell (down from 16)

28. Tracey McLellan (down from 22)

29. Max Harris - new candidate

30. Warrick Cleine - new candidate

31. Ibrahim Omer - returning candidate, lost Wellington central listed at 37th in 2023

32. Anae Neru Leavasa - returning candidate, lost Takanini listed at 48th in 2023

33. Georgie Dansey (down from 32)

34. Te Pūoho Kātene - new candidate

35. Naisi Chen - returning list candidate, listed at 33 in 2023

36. Dan Rosewarne (down from 31)

37. Rachel Boyack (down from 27)

38. Helen White (down from 30)

39. Ingrid Leary (down from 31)

40. Phil Twyford (down from 25)

41. Arena Williams (down from 24)

42. Lemauga Lydia Sosene (down from 31)

43. Kerrin Leoni - new candidate

44. Toni Boynton - returning candidate, lost Waiariki listed at 39th in 2023

45. Hannah Pia Baral - new candidate

46. Angela Roberts - returning candidate, lost Taranaki-King Country listed at 35th in 2023

47. Estefania Muller-Palarés - returning candidate, lost Whangaparaoa listed at 55th in 2023

48. Anahila Kanongata'a - returning candidate, lost Papakura listed at 34th in 2023

49. Gary Payinda - new candidate

50. Alex Hedley - new candidate

51. Craig Renney - new candidate

52. George Hampton - returning candidate, lost North Shore listed at 41st in 2023

53. Dominik Yanzick - new candidate

54. Rory Paterson - new candidate

55. Ashleigh Latimer - new candidate

56. Rata Jamieson - new candidate

57. Naresh Perinpanayagam - new candidate

58. Peter McDonald - new candidate

59. Amanda Clinton-Gohdes - new candidate

60. Myra Williamson - returning candidate, lost Hamilton West listed at 62nd in 2023

61. Kharag Singh - returning candidate, lost Botany listed at 66th in 2023

62. Janice Lee - new candidate

63. Sam Collins - new candidate

64. Sange Malama - new candidate

65. Rhieve Grey - new candidate

66. Karl Severinsen - new candidate

67. Henrietta Hunkin-Tagaloa - new candidate

68. Fisher Wang - new candidate

69. Brendan McEnroe - new candidate

70. Campbell Matthews - new candidate

71. David Pattemore - new candidate

72. Nathaniel Howe - new candidate

Source: This report is based on original reporting by Russell Palmer, RNZ Digital Reporters and Midday Report (Radio New Zealand), published 8 June 2026, with additional context and analysis by elocal.