The Labour Party has selected former United Nations climate official and business owner George Hampton as its candidate for Christchurch Central at the 2026 election.

Hampton said he was proud to stand for the electorate where he grew up.

“I am honoured to be Labour’s Christchurch Central candidate and to have the opportunity to serve the city I grew up in,” Hampton said.

“Christchurch Central is finally finding its feet after years of disruption, but real challenges remain for families, workers and businesses alike. The cost of living continues to rise, putting pressure on households.

“Housing affordability and insecure rentals, strained health services, homelessness, and transport and infrastructure that hasn’t kept pace with growth all affect everyday life, people’s ability to work and get ahead.

“We are already seeing the impacts of climate change and I want to help build local resilience and reduce its effects on our people.”

Hampton has worked in international diplomacy, representing New Zealand in Europe and at the United Nations in New York. He was part of New Zealand’s team at the United Nations Security Council and in 2016 assisted Helen Clark during her bid to become United Nations Secretary General.

He said those experiences would shape how he would represent the Christchurch Central electorate.

“That experience shapes how I would serve Christchurch Central. I’m standing to deliver practical results for our city. I want to use my experience and skills to ensure Christchurch Central remains a great place to work, visit, raise a family, and start a business.

“As your MP, I would use my experience at home and overseas to fight for Christchurch, listen first and then act, and deliver the results our people need today.”

Hampton grew up in Christchurch with six siblings and has previously served on a local community board, the Youth Council, and as student president at the University of Canterbury.

He is married with one daughter and he and his wife part own Mr Whippy NZ.