Marginal battleground

Palmerston North

General electorate

—

days to election day

What it takes to flip this seat

Tangi Utikere won by 3,087 votes in 2023. Just 1,544 voters switching to National would have flipped Palmerston North.

In the news

Coverage naming Palmerston North or Tangi, from our tracked feeds.

The roster

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

Won Palmerston North by a majority of 3,087 in 2023, making it a marginal seat.

Tangi William Edward Utikere is a New Zealand politician, and Member of Parliament for Palmerston North since 2020. He was the deputy mayor of Palmerston North from 2016 to 2020, being the first non-Pākehā to serve in that role.

Full MP profile

What Tangi has prioritised this term

Official roles, sourced from parliament.nz.

Spokesperson roles

Deputy Shadow Leader of the House
Local Government
Racing
Transport

Select committees

Standing Orders
Transport and Infrastructure

Legislative activity this term

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

No government bill in charge, members' bill passed, or members' bill currently in the ballot for Tangi this term. We checked that against the official record, so it isn't a gap in our data.

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.

7,503written questions asked since the 2023 election

Where it's gone, by Minister

Minister of Transport

3792

Minister for Racing

755

Minister for Oceans and Fisheries

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 Tangi’s and the Minister’s own words

To the Minister of Transport · 2026-09-10

"Further to the reply to written question 37886 (2026), has he been informed of Ferry Holdings Ltd's review into its procurement practices; if so, on what date and by whom, and does he agree with the statement in the reply to written question 37231 (2026) that Ferry Holdings Ltd has followed the Government Procurement Rules?"

Reply not yet due or not yet published.

To the Minister for Rail · 2026-09-10

"Further to the reply to written question 35713 (2026), was the expectation that Mr Lowe would recuse himself recorded in writing at the time of his appointment; if so, in what document?"

Reply not yet due or not yet published.

To the Minister for Rail · 2026-09-10

"Further to the replies to written questions 37231 (2026) and 35236 (2026), where in the Government Procurement Rules does the "fair basis" test appear; if it does not, what is the source of that standard and who applied it?"

Reply not yet due or not yet published.

To the Associate Minister of Transport · 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: Maritime Legislation Review: Proposed Reforms (24 August 2026).

To the Minister for Racing · 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: None.