The Labour Party has selected list MP and New Zealand Defence Force officer Dan Rosewarne as its candidate for Waimakariri for the 2026 election.

He’ll go up against current Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey.

Rosewarne said he was proud to stand in the electorate where he has lived for more than two decades.

“I am honoured to be Labour’s Waimakariri candidate, where I have lived for 21 years and where I am raising my family,” Rosewarne said.

“I’ve spent my career in the Defence Force serving New Zealand. I’m looking forward to continuing that service as the MP for Waimakariri if voters choose me in November.”

Rosewarne said many residents in the district were feeling increasing financial pressure.

“Waimakariri is a great place to live, but too many people are feeling under pressure and going backwards. Wages aren’t keeping up, healthcare is harder to access, homes are increasingly out of reach, and the cost of living keeps rising,” Rosewarne said.

“The current Government promised better, but many families I talk to aren’t seeing it. I’m seeking re election because I believe Waimakariri deserves more than broken promises. Too many people feel they’re being asked to do more with less.”

Rosewarne said his background in the Defence Force had shaped his approach to public service.

“I planned for and responded to local emergencies like the Kaikōura earthquake and the Canterbury floods, and I’ve seen how vital strong public services are when it matters most.”

“People in Waimakariri want decent jobs that pay well, healthcare they can rely on, affordable homes for their kids, and real action to ease everyday costs.”

Rosewarne began his career as a mechanic in the New Zealand Army before becoming an officer in the New Zealand Defence Force, where he has worked on planning and managing operations in New Zealand and overseas.

He has more than 25 years of military service, including deployments to Afghanistan and the Solomon Islands. Rosewarne previously served as a Member of Parliament from 2022 to 2023 and worked on issues including the cost of living, banking conduct and government accountability.

He holds a Master of Strategic Studies from Victoria University of Wellington and is a graduate of the New Zealand Defence Force Advanced Command and Staff College.

Rosewarne will also return to Parliament as a list MP on 24 March 2026 following the resignation of Peeni Henare.