2026 Government Election

With the 2026 election fast approaching, this page highlights how Engineering New Zealand is advocating for the engineering profession. It breaks down the political priorities that affect you – including political manifestos and key announcements.  We’ll keep it updated with key announcements and what they mean for the engineering profession.

Election conversations: Engineering priorities

Engineering New Zealand Chief Executive Richard Templer hosted a series of election‑year chats with representatives from across the political spectrum about how their parties’ plans affect your profession. In June, he talked to ACT leader David Seymour, Greens co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick, Labour leader Chris Hipkins, National’s infrastructure spokesman Chris Bishop, New Zealand First deputy leader Shane Jones and Opportunity Party leader Qiulae Wong.

Videos of the conversations will be uploaded here in alphabetical order (by party name) throughout July.

David Seymour, ACT Party leader

Chlöe Swarbrick, Green Party co-leader

Chris Hipkins, Labour Party leader – coming Monday 20 July

Chris Bishop, National Party infrastructure spokesperson – coming Thursday 23 July

Shane Jones, New Zealand First deputy leader – coming Monday 27 July

Qiulae Wong, Opportunity Party leader – coming Thursday 30 July

Election 2026: New Zealand’s big infrastructure debate with Stuff

Engineering New Zealand Te Ao Rangahau is partnering with award-winning media outlet, Stuff, to bring you New Zealand’s Big Infrastructure Debate with Stuff. Rebecca Wright, one of New Zealand’s most experienced political and investigative journalists, will moderate the debate.

Join in live on Thursday 6 August and hear direct from ACT leader David Seymour, Greens co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick, Labour leader Chris Hipkins, National’s infrastructure spokesman Chris Bishop and New Zealand First deputy leader Shane Jones about their plans for our infrastructure crunch.

The discussion will dig into how policy translates into concrete outcomes – from planning and funding to delivering the infrastructure communities need for the future.

Register now to watch the livestream and submit your questions in advance for the politicians to answer.

Join your local Branch to watch the debate live

Get together on Thursday 6 August with your local peers to network and livestream New Zealand’s Big Infrastructure Debate with Stuff.

Spaces are limited, so register now for your branch event:

• Auckland
• Canterbury
• Dunedin
• Hawke's Bay
• Manawatū
• Nelson
• Southland
• Taranaki
• Waikato
• Wellington
• West Coast
• Whanganui

Our priorities for the election

We have developed key messages to help start our conversations with political parties. These messages are the same across each of the documents, but the topics are tailored to reflect each party’s priorities. You can read the letters here: