To all you good Kiwis, I’ve got some news

After six years of being the authentic voice of rural New Zealand in Wellington, ACT MP Mark Cameron has made the decision to not return to Parliament after the 2026 election.

“It’s been an honour to advocate for farmers in Wellington, but I can’t in good conscience return after this election with my health the way it is,” says Mr Cameron.

“My mind is saying yes, but my kidneys are saying no. The job requires a lot of travel, and while I’m undergoing dialysis, it wouldn’t be tenable for me to continue travelling back and forth between Ruawai and Wellington.

“I will continue to campaign for ACT in the Northland electorate this election, I believe they are the party that truly represents rural New Zealand. But I won’t be putting myself on the party list to return as a Member of Parliament after the election.

“When I first came to Parliament I was perturbed by an increasing divide between rural and urban New Zealand. I sought to address this and return a sense of pride to rural New Zealand.

“I think we’ve come a bloody long way since then. It’s been a while since I’ve heard cynical soundbites like “dirty dairying” and suggestions animals are destroying the planet or that the industry perpetually pollutes. I even think some of the Green members have figured out where their Kale and Lattes come from.

“One of my proudest moments includes standing up for farmers against climate policies that disadvantage them internationally. Halving Zero Carbon Act methane targets only became reality after years of ACT listening to farmers, standing on principle, and driving the change in Wellington. We’ve also secured commitments to keep agriculture out of the ETS and maintain the split-gas approach.

“I was also proud to lead the charge against the previous Labour Government’s unworkable winter grazing regulations, ute tax and SNAs. The most satisfying part of this job has far and away been giving farmers a voice on these issues and getting the right outcomes for them.

“Farmers deserve an advocate that gives it everything, as I have for the past six years. I’m lucky my friend and ACT colleague Andrew Hoggard will continue fighting the good fight for farmers.”

“I’m sad for our party and our country that Mark won’t be seeking re-election. Mark came to Parliament as the authentic voice of rural New Zealand, and his voice has thundered up and down the country for six years,” says ACT Leader David Seymour.

“Mark is the embodiment of all that is good about rural New Zealand. He’s won people over to the idea that rural New Zealand is not some enemy of our country, but its economic backbone, made up of good people like himself.

“The Government’s methane changes are a game-changer for our rural sector and our economy. I don’t believe they would have happened without Mark’s long and passionate campaign for change. Many MPs come and go from Parliament, without any kind of legacy like that.

“Mark is a truly great man, and a great New Zealander. Our country will be all the poorer without him in Parliament.”