ACT selects Callum Sheridan as Waitakere candidate

The ACT Party is announcing New Zealand Deerstalkers Association President and Game Animal Council member Callum Sheridan as a candidate for the 2026 election.

“ACT has a strong background supporting hunters. They were the only party who stood up for us when Labour rushed through firearms law reform, and they’ve continued to back us when other parties aren’t prepared to,” says Mr Sheridan.

“Hunters have a huge interest in the state of nature and the environment. We love being in nature, and we play an important role in conservation. Every weekend, thousands of us are out in the bush doing for free what would otherwise cost DOC and the taxpayer billions of dollars.

“Firearms’ owners have unfortunately been made a scapegoat by other political parties, but ACT alone has been consistent in standing up for their rights. A firearms’ owner has to jump through hoops to get a firearms licence and take the responsibility seriously, they should be recognised as law-abiding citizens and responsible members of society.

“We can’t risk having another Labour Government who throws licensed firearms owners under the bus, and we can’t afford to not have a strong ACT presence in Government advocating for common-sense policies that treat law-abiding firearms owners with respect.

“Hunters know that the best way to ensure representation is to lock Labour out and unlock New Zealand’s potential with a vote for ACT.”

“ACT has bagged itself a trophy getting a candidate of Callum’s calibre onboard,” says ACT’s Conservation spokesperson Cameron Luxton.

“Callum is exactly the sort of down to earth, common-sense candidate who is going to thrive in ACT. As well as being a fellow licensed-builder, Callum is a strong advocate for the roughly 230,000 Kiwis who like to go hunting and participate in sports shooting.

“ACT respects the vital role of licenced firearms owners, hunters, and shooting sports enthusiasts in New Zealand’s culture, economy, and conservation efforts. Hunting and shooting are legitimate pastimes, essential pest-control tools, and part of our rural way of life. ACT will continue to back you.”