National Party MP for East Coast Dana Kirkpatrick has been confirmed as the party’s candidate for the new East Cape electorate for the 2026 General Election.

First elected to Parliament in 2023, Ms Kirkpatrick says she feels privileged to have the opportunity to continue representing the people of Te Tairāwhiti through to Te Kaha, Ōpōtiki, Whakatāne, Maketū, Tāneatua, Murupara and Kawerau.

“I want to maintain my commitment to keeping our regions at the forefront, ensuring our voices are acknowledged and our needs are met,” she said.

“I’ve loved spending the past two years as an MP, strengthening our regional connections and working alongside our community to grow steady momentum in areas of need and opportunity.

“Ensuring this electorate is not forgotten is still at the forefront of what I do as the elected MP.”

Ms Kirkpatrick said her first term in Parliament had provided valuable opportunities to support and advocate for key initiatives, including:

n Post-cyclone emergency response and regional recovery

n Improving roading infrastructure

n Boosting health and community support services

n Expanding social housing stock

“Education, housing, health, law and order, and economic growth are all key areas of focus that I will continue to work alongside our Government to strengthen into the next term.”