East Cape Labour candidate Jo Luxton, pictured above, says she is honoured and humbled to have been ranked highly with a listing of 17 on Labour’s 2026 Party List ahead of November’s General Election.

The ranking places Luxton among Labour’s top 20 team as the party prepares for the election campaign and reflects her experience in Parliament, her commitment to regional communities and her advocacy for East Cape.

“This is an incredible honour, but for me it’s never been about a number on a list,” Luxton said.

“It’s about the people I represent and the communities I fight for every single day. I came into politics because I know what it’s like when families are struggling, when opportunities feel out of reach, and when people feel like they’re not being heard. That’s what continues to drive me.”

Having returned home to Gisborne and now contesting the East Cape electorate, Luxton says the ranking provides an opportunity to continue being a strong voice for the people, communities and industries that make East Cape unique.

“Our region is full of resilient, hard-working people who deserve better. They deserve decent healthcare close to home, good jobs, safe roads, affordable housing and opportunities for our young people to build their futures right here in East Cape.

“I want East Cape to thrive and be the place where people want to live, raise a family, invest in and create opportunities.”

Luxton said the election would be an important opportunity for voters to choose the kind of future they want for their communities.

“Across Tairāwhiti, the Eastern Bay and the wider East Cape electorate, I’ve spent the last year listening.

“People are telling me they’re worried about the cost of living, healthcare, jobs and whether their children will have the same opportunities they had growing up.

“They want a Government that is focused on them, their families and their future. That’s the conversation I’m having with people every day.”

As Labour prepares for the November election, Luxton said her focus remained unchanged.

“I’ll continue showing up, listening and working as hard as I can for the people of East Cape. I’m grateful for the confidence the Labour Party has shown in me, but the real work is earning the trust and support of our communities.”