Election 2026: National to reveal party list, Winston Peters challenges Luxon to Māori seat referendum
New Zealand's National Party leader Christopher Luxon has unveiled the party's candidate list for the 2026 general election. The list maintains stability in the top rankings while introducing Gerry Brownlee at the ninth position.
Why it matters
The candidate list provides insight into the party's internal hierarchy and strategic priorities for the upcoming national election.
National leader Christopher Luxon says it has been a “week in politics” as he unveils National’s list for the 2026 election, capping off a week in which his performance has been criticised by some commentators.
The list, announced by Luxon, deputy leader Nicola Willis and party president Sylvia Wood, revealed National’s higher-ranked MPs were largely unchanged from current rankings.
As per the party’s constitution, Luxon and Willis took the top two spots, followed by Chris Bishop, Simeon Brown and Erica Stanford.
The confirmation of Bishop at number three comes after questions over whether the Hutt South MP would retain that spot.
He is rumoured to have been behind previous destabilisation of Luxon’s leadership, though has always publicly denied it.
Goldsmith is at number six, followed by Louise Upston, and then Mark Mitchell. Those top eight are all unchanged from current rankings.
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