Ultra-marginal battleground

Nelson

General electorate

—

days to election day

What it takes to flip this seat

Rachel Boyack won by 26 votes in 2023. Just 13 voters switching to National would have flipped Nelson.

In the news

Coverage naming Nelson or Rachel, from our tracked feeds.

The roster

The defender's record, and who's confirmed to challenge them in 2026.

Won Nelson by a majority of 26 in 2023, making it an ultra-marginal seat.

Rachel Elizabeth Boyack-Mayer is a New Zealand unionist and politician. Since 2020, she has been a Member of Parliament for the Labour Party.

Full MP profile

What Rachel has prioritised this term

Official roles, sourced from parliament.nz.

Spokesperson roles

Animal Welfare
Arts Culture and Heritage
Oceans and Fisheries

Select committees

Primary Production

Legislative activity this term

From Parliament's official bills record, as at 16 September 2026.

Members' bill in the ballot (1)

Education and Training (Prioritisation in Enrolment Schemes) Amendment Bill

Written questions to Ministers this term

What is this, and why does it matter to you?

Any MP can put a written question to a Minister, demanding information on the record. The Minister must reply, usually within days. It costs nothing and needs no debate, which makes it the main day-to-day tool MPs use to hold the government to account between bills. It matters most for opposition MPs, who can't pass laws but can still force information into the open. Which Ministers an MP questions most, below, is a numbers-based picture of what they watch on your behalf, and it's worth comparing against what they say they prioritise.

1,331written questions asked since the 2023 election

Where it's gone, by Minister

Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage

412

Minister for ACC

259

Associate Minister for ACC

Battlegrounds map 2026 election

2023 result and margin: Electoral Commission. 2026 candidates are added only once officially confirmed — never assumed.

Read 5 recent questions & replies, in Rachel’s and the Minister’s own words

To the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage · 2026-09-07

"What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 31 August 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?"

Reply not yet due or not yet published.

To the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries · 2026-09-07

Reply not yet due or not yet published.

To the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries · 2026-09-07

"What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 31 August 2026, by title and date?"

Reply not yet due or not yet published.

To the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage · 2026-08-31

"What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 24 August 2026, by title and date?"

Reply: None.

To the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage · 2026-08-31

"What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 24 August 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?"

Reply: I refer the Member to reply number 59549 (2024).