Opportunity Unveils A New Generation Of Leaders For 2026 – TOP
The Opportunity Party has announced its 40-candidate party list for the 2026 general election, led by six candidates with deep experience across business, public policy, agriculture, Māori development, and environmental leadership.
“This is a team of people who have built businesses and organisations, shaped public policy, worked alongside communities and led practical responses to some of New Zealand’s biggest challenges” says party leader Qiulae Wong.
“We are standing because, like many New Zealanders, we expect better than the current political parties are delivering.”
Wong says Opportunity’s candidates combine fresh political thinking with substantial real-world experience.
“Opportunity brings together leaders who understand the economy we need to build, the communities we need to strengthen, and the natural environment we need to restore.”
Deputy Leader Daniel Eb is a rural innovation and food-systems leader who has worked to strengthen the connection between urban and rural New Zealand. He founded a nationwide open farm day initiative and has researched how New Zealand could redesign its domestic food system.
Jessica Hammond brings extensive public-sector and political experience. Her work has included transport infrastructure, health and disability policy, and Māori economic development. Hammond has represented Opportunity in every election it has contested.
Dr Kayla Kingdon-Bebb is an environmental policy and public-administration leader. She has served as Chief Executive of WWF-New Zealand and as a policy director at the Department of Conservation, with expertise in Treaty law and natural-resource management.
Eden Skipper brings experience in Māori development, environmental restoration and research into alternative economic futures. A Ngāi Tahu leader, he has worked across government, community organisations and academia.
Jodie Kuntzsch has more than 20 years’ experience in seafood, aquaculture and the blue economy. She led the establishment of Moananui, connecting ocean-based businesses, researchers and innovators.
“While our top six will stand together at today’s announcement, we are backed by an outstanding national team campaigning in communities throughout the country,” Wong said.
“Together, we offer New Zealand a serious, capable, and innovative alternative.” says Wong.
The Opportunity Party 2026 party list
- Qiulae Wong | Mt Albert
- Daniel Eb | Kaipara ki Mahurangi
- Jessica Hammond | Wellington North
- Kayla Kingdon-Bebb | Wellington Bays
- Eden Skipper | Christchurch Central
- Jodie Kuntzsch | Nelson
- Sarah Lucas | New Plymouth
- David Bainbridge-Zafar | Dunedin
- Holly Knill | North Shore
- Pāpā Wharewera | Waiariki
- Bianca Beebe | Southland
- Romeo Tevaga | Upper Harbour
- Ben Wylie-van Eerd | Hutt South
- Rachel Ward | Tukituki
- Naomi Pocock | Hamilton East
- Helen Tait | Waitaki
- Cody Marsh | Northcote
- Adam Macrae-Martin | Otāhuhu
- Mark Roach | Waitākere
- Robert Mason | Kenepuru
- Luke Ross | Remutaka
- Michael Carter | Tauranga
- Derrick Paul | Maungakiekie
- Matt Shepherd | Wairarapa
- Ben Lane | Māngere
- Chee Khiang (CK) Sng | Kāpiti
- Finn Liley | Rotorua
- Evan French | Glendene
- Jamie Attenborough | Mt Roskill
- Matthew Harris | Rangitata
- Sacha Haskell | Tāmaki
- Netra Ghimire | Palmerston North
- Cail Smith | East Cape
- Sam Plummer | Taupō
- Blair Smith | Hamilton West
- Johan Chang | Auckland Central
- Almo Wong | Henderson
- Adrian Mee | Selwyn
- Paul Jackson | Epsom
- Kevin Huang | Pakuranga
About Opportunity. Opportunity was founded in 2017 to address systemic barriers to fairness in New Zealand through bold, evidence-based policy. The party advocates for strengthening democracy, fairer tax systems, affordable housing, climate action and investing in future generations.
