Act Party unveils 2026 election list, Paul Henry's placement under scrutiny

The Act Party disclosed its ordered list of candidates for the upcoming 2026 general election, sparking interest in the slot allocated to former broadcaster Paul Henry, who was confirmed as a list-only contender in July. Leader David Seymour indicated that the party board would seek an "electable and respectable" ranking for Henry. A latest Motu Research Poll of Polls places Act at 7.5%, translating to roughly nine parliamentary seats, while Seymour is expected to hold the Epsom electorate again.

The list also features incumbent ministers such as deputy leader Nicole McKee, Andrew Hoggard, and Karen Chhour, alongside Parliamentary Under-Secretary Simon Court and Private Secretary Todd Stephenson. New entrants include James Christmas, a former National candidate, and Davina Smolders, a Far North District councillor who has pledged to resign from council if she secures a top-10 or top-11 list spot. Former MPs Chris Baillie and Toni Severin are returning to the race.