Colin Ambler/cvnznews.com
New Zealand First has unveiled a dramatically reshaped party list for the election, signalling a push to refresh its parliamentary team with a number of high-profile recruits.
While the party’s top four remain unchanged, with Winston Peters, Shane Jones, Casey Costello and Mark Patterson retaining their positions, several sitting MPs have been pushed down the rankings to make way for new candidates.
Among the biggest changes is MP Jamie Arbuckle, who has fallen from sixth place in 2023 to 13th on the new list. Fellow incumbents Jenny Marcroft, Andy Foster and David Wilson have also dropped several places.
Taking their place near the top of the list are a number of prominent political and public figures. Former National Cabinet Minister Alfred Ngaro has secured a high ranking, alongside broadcaster and former MP Michael Laws, former National MP Harete Hipango-Brownlie, former Financial Markets Authority chair Craig Stobo, and former All Blacks captain Taine Randell.
The changes suggest New Zealand First is looking to broaden its appeal ahead of the election by drawing on candidates with experience in politics, business, media, sport and community leadership.
The inclusion of Alfred Ngaro is likely to attract particular attention among Christian voters. Ngaro previously served as Minister for Pacific Peoples and Minister for Community and Voluntary Sector and has been known for his willingness to speak publicly about faith and family issues.
Former Defence Minister Ron Mark has been placed 16th on the list, a position that could leave him outside Parliament unless New Zealand First significantly outperforms current polling expectations.
The reshuffle sends a clear message that Winston Peters is prepared to make bold changes in pursuit of a stronger result at the ballot box.
Whether voters view the changes as a renewal of the party’s talent pool or a demotion of experienced MPs remains to be seen, but the new look line-up is one of the most significant overhauls seen in the party’s recent history.
Here is the party’s top 20:
- Rt Hon Winston Peters | List Only
- Hon Shane Jones | Northland
- Hon Casey Costello | Port Waikato
- Hon Mark Patterson | Taieri
- Hon Alfred Ngaro | Glendene
- Michael Laws | Waitaki
- Harete Hipango-Brownlie | Whanganui
- Craig Stobo | Botany
- Taine Randell | Tukituki
- Jenny Marcroft | Kaipara-ki-Mahurangi
- Andy Foster | Remutaka
- Dr David Wilson | Henderson
- Jamie Arbuckle | Kaikoura
- Jaime Cleine | West Coast-Tasman
- Tracey Coxhead | Mt Maunganui
- Hon Ron Mark | Wairarapa
- Jason Herrick | Southland
- Esther Tofilau-Tevaga | Manurewa
- Penny Gaylor | Kapiti
- Elliot Ikilei | Takanini
