The New Zealand Labour Party has unveiled its party list for the 2026 general election, placing former New Plymouth MP Glen Bennett in a strong position to return to parliament.
Bennett, who has been announced as Labour’s candidate for Coromandel, sits at number 25.
That's a move up from his 2023 election list ranking of 29, and a position that virtually guarantees his return as a list MP regardless of his electorate result.
For the rest of the local Labour contingent, the path to Wellington relies heavily on winning their respective electorate races.
New Plymouth candidate Amanda Clinton-Gohdes is ranked 59th.
Taranaki-King Country candidate David Pattemore sits further back at 71.
Angela Roberts is contesting the Whanganui seat, which covers parts of Stratford and South Taranaki. She has been placed at 46, dropping from her 35th placing in 2023.
An analysis of recent polling data shows a tough road ahead for those relying on the list.
A Roy Morgan New Zealand Poll from May 2026 has Labour's support sitting at 26.5 percent.
If this result plays out on election day, the party would secure roughly 33 seats in Parliament.
This scenario comfortably clears Bennett to enter Parliament.
Roberts would need a massive surge in the party vote to get in on the list alone.
Clinton-Gohdes and Pattemore have no realistic chance of entering via the list and must win their electorate campaigns.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins said the 2026 list provides a rich diversity of candidates.
"I'm looking forward to campaigning alongside everybody who's on this list.”
He expects at least 10 new people to come off the list into Parliament, creating significant renewal while retaining experienced hands.
