The Alliance Party has announced eight new South Island candidates for the 2026 General Election, with a strong focus on Christchurch electorates.

Seven of the candidates are based in the greater Christchurch area, signalling the party’s intention to concentrate its campaign efforts in the city.

Alliance Party leader Victor Billot said “Our candidates are people who live and work in the real world, they are labourers, students, and professionals who understand the crushing weight of the cost of living crisis, and the urgent need to change the Government and our direction as a nation.

“Christchurch has an important history for the Alliance, and many voters will remember the role the Alliance played in restoring principled politics in New Zealand,” he said.

The party said its 2026 platform would focus on a state led infrastructure and public housing programme, free healthcare and education, and a progressive tax system.

The newly announced candidates are Greg Byrnes for Christchurch Central, Courtney Fraser for Ilam, Nicolas Pegg for Wigram, Jesse Luke for Selwyn, Kyle Turnbull for Banks Peninsula, Louis Coup for West Coast Tasman, Ali McDougall for Waimakariri, and Ethan Gullery for Christchurch East.

Byrnes, a former Environment Canterbury regional councillor, has experience in environmental management and public service.

Fraser is a law student working more than 20 hours a week while studying, with a background in the steel industry and sustainability roles.

Pegg has worked in media production and community organisations, including the Sumner Lifeboat League, and has been appointed the party’s housing spokesperson.

Turnbull has experience in public health and urban mobility and currently works in logistics, with a focus on transport and infrastructure issues.

Coup brings experience from the maritime and aquaculture industries, with an emphasis on regional development and youth engagement.

McDougall has a background in social policy and community development, with a focus on women and pay equity.

Gullery works in operational planning within Health New Zealand and has previously held roles in health data analysis, with a focus on improving the health system.

Luke, a labourer based in Rolleston, is a trade unionist advocating for workers’ rights, infrastructure and public services.

Two Otago candidates were announced earlier, with Billot standing in Dunedin and Anna Knight contesting the Taieri electorate.