Auckland-based business leader Candace Kinser has been selected by local party members as National's candidate in Auckland Central for the 2026 general election.
Ms Kinser brings more than 20 years' experience in executive leadership and governance. She is a former CEO of NZTech and helped launch Techweek, New Zealand's largest national festival of technology and innovation. Candace currently sits on a number of boards across the science sector and is a member of the Auckland University Council of Governors as well as being the Auckland/Northland President of the Cancer Society.
"I am excited to start campaigning to re-elect a National Government that is fixing the basics and building the future," Ms Kinser says.
"When National came to Government, Labour's reckless economic management had made life harder for Aucklanders. Inflation had been at a 32-year high, interest rates were skyrocketing, and the country's debt increased by $100b. The interest payments on this debt could fund almost two City Rail Link's, every single year.
"National has taken a disciplined approach to fix the basics, reducing wasteful spending, saving $43B to date, getting inflation down to 3.1%, and providing tax relief to hardworking Kiwis.
"This sensible economic management means National can provide targeted, time-limited support to working families most affected by rising fuel costs due to the war in Iran, without jeopardising the country's long-term security.
"I want to see Queen Street thriving again, but that can only happen with a National Government. Under National, there are 49,000 fewer victims of violent crime, ram raids are down 85 per cent and there has been a 22 per cent reduction in serious repeat youth offending. There is more to do to clean up our CBD, but National is delivering.
"I will be out in the electorate, listening, showing up and working hard, meeting as many people as I can before November 7 to re-elect a National Government and to be the next MP for Auckland Central."
