ACT expands 2026 candidate team

Following ACT’s initial electorate candidate announcement in late May, the Party is continuing to build its nationwide team for the 2026 General Election and can today announce a further group of electorate candidates.

“ACT continues to attract high-calibre candidates ready to unlock New Zealand’s potential” says ACT Leader David Seymour.

“This next group of candidates includes business owners, engineers, executives, and community leaders who understand the pressures facing hardworking New Zealanders and want to see the country moving forward again.

“Among them are Yang Qu, an electrical engineering and construction professional who serves as Director of ZNB Construction and will stand in Mt Roskill, and former ACT MP, police officer, and teacher Chris Baillie, who will contest Nelson.

“They come from a range of backgrounds, but they are united by a belief that New Zealand succeeds when aspiration is rewarded, taxpayers are respected, and basic government services work well.

“At each of the last two elections, New Zealanders increased ACT’s representation in Parliament because they wanted a stronger voice for economic growth, personal responsibility, and common sense. ACT’s candidates will continue taking that message into communities right across the country.”

A full list of the newly announced candidates can be found below, alongside a selection of candidate biographies.

The following candidates are announced today:

• Mt Roskill – Yang Qu
• Waikato – Ash Parmar
• Napier – John Ormond
• East Coast – Darrin Hawkes
• Kenepuru – Lyra Yan Zhang
• Nelson – Chris Baillie
• West Coast-Tasman – Janelle Hocking

Further electorate candidates will be announced in the coming days.

Chris Baillie – Nelson

Former Member of Parliament Chris Baillie is a small business owner, educator, and former police officer with a strong track record of serving his community. Chris and his wife co-own the Honest Lawyer pub and hotel in Nelson, employing around 30 people, while he has also taught Music and English at Kaiapoi High School and Nayland College, including serving as Head of Learning Support at Nayland College.

Chris studied English and Music at Victoria University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts before completing a Diploma of Teaching at Christchurch Teachers College. An avid trumpet player, he has performed with numerous jazz bands and orchestras over the years. In Parliament, Chris served as ACT’s spokesperson for Education, Police, Small Business, and Workplace Relations, drawing on his real-world experience in leadership, conflict resolution, and supporting local families, businesses, and communities.

Napier – John Ormond

John Ormond is a business growth and marketing executive with experience spanning sales, business development, and political communications. He is the son of early ACT Party figure Johnny Ormond and the grandson of Sir John Ormond, a respected business and community leader and military veteran. He currently serves as Vice President of Growth at Sagan Passport, one of the world's fastest-growing B2B companies, where he leads customer acquisition and drives business growth across international markets. Previously, John was Head of Event Sales for a leading Los Angeles technology conference, securing millions of dollars in sponsorship revenue. He also worked in parliamentary communications for former Hastings Mayor and Member of Parliament Lawrence Yule.

Born and raised in Hawke's Bay, John developed a passion for politics from an early age through campaigning, policy discussions, and grassroots activism. He holds degrees from both the University of Otago and Victoria University of Wellington.

Yang Qu – Mt Roskill

Yang Qu is an electrical engineering and construction professional who currently serves as Director of ZNB Construction. Born in North America to a family of Chinese descent before moving to New Zealand at the age of six, Yang brings a multicultural perspective and practical business experience to ACT’s vision for the country. He is passionate about building a more prosperous and efficient New Zealand, with a strong focus on sensible immigration policies that attract the skills and talent the country needs while ensuring the system works in the long-term interests of New Zealanders.

Darrin Hawkes – East Cape

Darrin Hawkes is an engineering leader, business owner, and qualified mechanical engineer with more than 30 years’ experience across engineering, fabrication, and industrial maintenance. A former boilermaker and welder by trade, Darrin founded Mainstream Engineering (now MEL 2020 Ltd) and has grown it into an award-winning engineering company delivering major multi-million-dollar industrial projects across New Zealand.

Holding a Bachelor of Engineering with First Class Honours from the University of Canterbury, Darrin is known for solving complex problems, mentoring young engineers, and championing practical solutions that strengthen New Zealand’s industry, infrastructure, and economic resilience.

Janelle Hocking – West Coast-Tasman

Janelle Hocking is a small business owner and community leader with more than 20 years’ experience across retail, hospitality, communications, and tourism. Since 2014, she has owned and operated the Murchison Four Square, managing a high-volume regional supermarket while also running hospitality and transport businesses in the region.

Deeply involved in her local community, Janelle has held leadership roles across sporting clubs, volunteer organisations, and local governance initiatives throughout Murchison. Formerly involved with the National Party at both electorate and regional level, including serving as Chair and Policy Chair of the West Coast–Tasman Electorate, Janelle joined ACT after concluding it was the party whose values and policies best aligned with her belief in practical solutions, regional growth, and individual responsibility.