Nicole McKee chosen as ACT Party Deputy Leader

The ACT Party has revealed at its 2026 AGM that Hon Nicole McKee has been chosen as Deputy Leader of ACT.

“The ACT Caucus has placed its trust in me, and I am deeply grateful. Together, we are focused on locking Labour out so we can unlock New Zealand’s potential,” says ACT Deputy Leader Nicole McKee.

“Six years ago, David Seymour convinced me to stand for Parliament. It was a big change for a humble wife and mother of four, a New Zealand sporting representative, a small-business owner, a hard worker, and a community volunteer. Never did I think I’d have the privilege of representing Kiwis as a Member of Parliament, let alone a Cabinet Minister, and now Deputy Leader of the ACT Party.

“I joined ACT because it is the party prepared to be the voice for New Zealanders who work hard and follow the rules, and to respect our freedoms. ACT has stood up on issues where other parties haven’t had the courage, because it was the right thing to do. We are working for a country where effort is rewarded, taxpayers are respected, and public services actually deliver.

“New Zealanders have made real sacrifices over the years. Families, workers, and small businesses have carried the cost of bad decisions, wasteful spending, and red tape that makes it harder to get ahead. I'll never forget that I'm in this role to be their advocate, fix what matters, and deliver better value for the people who pay the bills.

“New Zealand is worth fighting for. I am excited to support David Seymour and our Caucus as we continue campaigning to unlock New Zealand’s potential.”

ACT Leader David Seymour says Nicole McKee has earned the respect and confidence of her colleagues and is the perfect choice for Deputy Leader.

“As a Party Leader you're only as good as the people around you. I'm grateful for Brooke van Velden's support over the past six years and thrilled to have someone of Nicole's calibre stepping into the role," says ACT Leader David Seymour.

“She has proven herself as a Minister who fixes what matters and stands up for the little guy. Seven years ago, ACT alone opposed rushed firearms laws that scapegoated an entire community and did not make New Zealand safer. Nicole picked up that mantle, and under extreme scrutiny and determined campaigns to stop her, she delivered for a group of New Zealanders that every other political party had forgotten.

“Nicole is straight-talking, principled, and practical. She is a breath of fresh air in Parliament and has never forgotten who she is here to represent.

“ACT’s role in Government has been to fix what matters, restore common sense, and stand up for taxpayers. New Zealand is moving in the right direction, but change needs to be faster, bolder, and braver.

“Our team is united, focused, and ready for the work ahead. We are campaigning to unlock New Zealand’s potential with a smaller, more efficient Government, less red tape, a focus on fixing what matters, and a national identity we can all take pride in.”