Labour’s newly released party list for the 2026 general election is being viewed as more than a routine ranking of candidates. It offers an early glimpse into how Chris Hipkins wants to rebuild the party ahead of November, blending experienced MPs with a large intake of newcomers in what appears to be a deliberate attempt to refresh Labour’s image after its 2023 defeat.
The list includes 30 new candidates and several notable changes among sitting MPs. Under New Zealand’s Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) electoral system, list rankings play a critical role because they help determine who enters Parliament based on a party’s share of the nationwide vote. While electorate victories remain important, a strong list position can significantly improve a candidate’s chances of becoming an MP.
Current polling suggests Labour could remain a major force in the next Parliament. According to the latest polling referenced by RNZ, the party would secure approximately 44 seats if those numbers were replicated on election day. Such a result would bring a sizeable group of new candidates into Parliament alongside Labour’s existing senior figures.
At the top of the list, Labour has chosen continuity over surprise. Chris Hipkins remains ranked first, followed by deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni and finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds. Willie Jackson moves into fourth place, while Megan Woods slips one position to fifth. Ayesha Verrall, Willow-Jean Prime, Vanushi Walters, Cushla Tangaere-Manuel and Kieran McAnulty complete the top ten.
The rankings reveal which MPs have strengthened their standing within the party since the last election. Vanushi Walters is one of the clearest examples. After returning to Parliament through the party list following David Parker’s resignation, Walters has steadily increased her profile in opposition. Her rise to eighth place reflects the confidence Labour now has in her ability to handle major portfolios including foreign affairs, legal affairs and intelligence matters.
Cushla Tangaere-Manuel is another significant mover. The Ikaroa-Rāwhiti MP has climbed 11 places to ninth, making her one of the biggest winners in the reshuffle. As Labour’s only current MP holding a Māori electorate, her promotion highlights the importance the party is placing on Māori representation heading into the election campaign.
Rachel Brooking has also gained ground, rising eight places to 11th. Meanwhile, Shanan Halbert improves his ranking to 19th, suggesting Labour’s leadership believes both MPs have become increasingly important voices during the current parliamentary term.
The newcomer attracting the most attention is Rakesh Naidoo, who enters the list at 13th place. A senior police superintendent with more than two decades of experience, Naidoo has built a reputation through his work with ethnic communities, interfaith organisations and anti-discrimination initiatives. His ranking places him firmly within the range of candidates likely to enter Parliament if Labour performs close to current polling expectations.
Naidoo’s elevation also reflects Labour’s broader focus on diversity and multicultural engagement. The party leadership has repeatedly emphasised the importance of building stronger connections with communities across New Zealand. That conversation is taking place alongside wider debates over immigration, integration and future citizenship policy changes, issues that continue to attract public attention.
Several other newcomers add different forms of experience to Labour’s team. Chris Flatt, ranked 20th, is a prominent union leader and former Labour Party president. Kingi Kiriona, ranked 22nd, serves on the Waitangi Tribunal and has extensive governance experience. Sophie Handford, ranked 26th, is a former School Strike 4 Climate organiser and Kāpiti Coast councillor. Lawyer and social justice campaigner Max Harris appears at 29th, while business leader Warrick Cleine enters at 30th.
Not every MP emerged from the process in a stronger position. Deborah Russell has fallen 11 places to 27th after losing the New Lynn electorate in 2023. Camilla Belich drops to 23rd despite being viewed as an effective parliamentary performer. Former Cabinet minister Phil Twyford slips to 40th, while Arena Williams falls to 41st. Although lower rankings do not necessarily end their parliamentary prospects, they increase reliance on Labour achieving a stronger overall vote.
There are also several notable absences. Assistant Speaker Greg O’Connor does not appear on the list after boundary changes resulted in the abolition of his Ōhāriu electorate. Hipkins said O’Connor chose not to seek a list position. Christchurch Central MP Duncan Webb is also absent after previously announcing his retirement from politics.
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Elsewhere, former Cabinet minister Michael Wood is expected to contest Mt Roskill again after losing the seat at the last election. Economist Craig Renney enters Labour’s list at 51st, though party leadership has indicated they believe he has a realistic path to Parliament through an electorate campaign.
Labour president Jill Day described the list as one that reflects modern New Zealand, highlighting its diversity of backgrounds, professions and life experiences. Hipkins echoed that sentiment, pointing to candidates from farming, business, public service, community organisations and academia, including Rhodes Scholars and Fulbright Scholars.
Ultimately, the list suggests Labour is attempting to strike a balance between experience and renewal. Senior figures remain at the top, but the promotion of candidates such as Walters, Tangaere-Manuel and Naidoo demonstrates a clear effort to showcase a new generation of leadership. As the election campaign approaches, those emerging figures may become some of the most closely watched names in New Zealand politics.
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