As we wrap the year looking back on 2025, here are my picks for the top 10 politiciansย this year, in no particular order.
Barbara Edmonds – Labourย Party Finance Spokesperson – She has grown in confidence and real mastery of her role as Finance Spokesperson. On multiple occasions this year she has truly challenged Nicola Willis in the House and many time has gotten the better of the Finance Minister. Her mana as a working class mum of 8 means she has the authority to really make a difference in politics. She is a crucial and shrewd MP to watch.
Arena Williams – Labour Party Manurewa MP – I believe Arena is a future leader to watch inside the Labour Party. Her enormous talentย in the House has created a true respect across Party lines and her charisma and likability is Jacinda like levels. One of the best MPs this year.
Hana-Rawhiti Kareariki Maipi-Clarke ย – Maori Party MP – Her incredible Haka was watched by over a Billion people, she has become a symbol of resistance in a way few Politicians can ever achieve. She is more than an MP, she is an icon which for the youngest MP in Parliament is remarkable.
Chris Penk – ย National Party Minister – One of the most liked National Party Cabinet Minister’s, his wit and practicality have made him the best performing National Party MP in the house. His changes to the way people can buy building materials is probably one of the few successes that National can actually hold up as an achievement. It’s genuinely surprising with all that talk of leadership change in National that Penk’s name wasn’t mentioned because he has far more talent in his little finger than most National MPs have in their entire bodies!
Teanau Tuiono – Green Party MP – His leadership and voice on almost every issue marks him out as one of the Greens greatest intellectuals and powerhouses. His experience, his easy manner and his capacity to explain complex issues in language that every day voters can understand is one of the Green’s greatest assets.
Chloe Swarbrick – Green Party Co-leader – She is one of the few politicians who has the capacity to punch back at David Seymour in her weekly Herald Now interviews. Her passion, wisdom and values are what will bring the Greens double digit support come the election.
Steve Able – Green Party MP – Former Greenpeace activist turned Green politician, Steve has brought a real understanding of how the agricultural industry needs to adapt to the realities of climate change from an anchored belief of the Treaty first and always. He will make an incredible Cabinet Minister.
Hลซhana Lyndon – Green Party MP – One of the most liked Politicians on the Left, her intelligence, her dedication to Mฤoridom and her appearance at every single important event makes Hลซhana a unique Politician who draws her strength directly from the communities she represents.
Tamatha Paul – Green Party Wellington Central MP – One of the real pillars of righteousness inside the Greens, her activism against Police, which was attacked earlier in the year, has been all proven by the McSkimming’s scandal.
Cushla Tangaere-Manuel – Labour MP for Ikaroa-Rฤwhiti ย – Has built an impressive body of work in a very short time and has quickly become one of Labour’s most important voices. Expect her in Cabinet if Labour are privileged to win the next election.
Next week I will look at the 10 worst Politicians.
