James Christmas, the former National candidate and Beehive staffer who is running in T\u0101maki, is placed seventh. He is replacing Brooke van Velden as Act\u2019s candidate in the seat. <\/p>\n
Van Velden currently holds the electorate but is stepping down from politics. Her departure, as well as that of Mark Cameron, has created two spots for new candidates near the top of the list. <\/p>\n
After Christmas is Simon Court, the current parliamentary under-secretary for the Minister for Infrastructure and RMA Reform. <\/p>\n
He is followed by MPs Laura McClure and Parmjeet Parmar. <\/p>\n
In the 11th spot is Iain Murray, the next non-MP. He is the party\u2019s Selwyn candidate, is a former Royal New Zealand Air Force airman and is a school principal. <\/p>\n
Cameron Luxton is the last MP on the list, ranked at 12. <\/p>\n
\u201cAct is brimming with talent, and we\u2019ve got a team of New Zealanders ready to build on what we\u2019ve achieved this term and unlock New Zealand\u2019s potential,\u201d Seymour said. <\/p>\n
\u201cOur list is a true representation of New Zealand society. There are tradies, engineers, farmers, small business owners, hunters, legal experts, health professionals, school principals and more. <\/p>\n
\u201cOur candidates come from many different backgrounds and professions, but they share a common belief in this country and a determination to make it better.\u201d<\/p>\n
Speaking of Hoggard being third, up from fifth in 2023, Seymour said he\u2019d been critical in driving the party\u2019s rural work. <\/p>\n
\u201cAndrew Hoggard has been the driving force behind cutting red tape and bringing common sense to climate policy this term. His promotion is recognition for the work he\u2019s done and the continued importance of having an authentic farmer standing up for rural New Zealand.\u201d<\/p>\n
The most recent NZ Herald \u2013 Motu Research Poll of Polls<\/a>, released earlier this week, had Act on 7.5%, which would give the party nine seats. It holds 11.<\/p>\n Another high-profile candidate is Davina Smolders. She is an Act councillor in the Far North District Council and captured national headlines after raising concerns <\/a>about the rights being given to unelected people on council committees. The Government later said it would move to stop unelected people being able to vote on the committees<\/a>.<\/p>\n