Christchurch RE advisor to stand for Parliament

Rory Paterson is to be the Labour candidate for the seat at the 2026 General Election. He will be the first new Labour candidate for West Coast-Tasman in 30 years. Current Labour list MP Damien O’Connor lost the seat to National’s Maureen Pugh in 2023. Mr O’Connor has since moved to Otago.

Mr Paterson was selected as the candidate for West Coast-Tasman at a meeting at St Paul’s Anglican Church in Murchison, where dozens of party supporters waited outside for the final vote.

Mr Paterson was born at Greymouth and previously worked there as deputy principal at St Patrick’s School. More recently, he and his family have been based in Christchurch, where he works at the Catholic Education Office. But he says he is ready to return and serve the communities that raised him.

“I have spent weeks talking to people across the electorate, and there are clear common themes,” Mr Paterson said.

“People want equitable access to healthcare, education and other government services, and that’s what I will fight for. We have incredible industries within this part of New Zealand, but no part of the electorate has escaped job losses in the past few years; there is no question about that as one of the most pressing priorities.

“Good jobs are at the heart of social justice,” he said. “I am focused solely on winning and putting people back at the heart of government decisions.”

Mr Paterson said he would be campaigning full-time in the electorate from August and every spare minute prior. He currently lives in North Canterbury, but is planning to relocate to the electorate by the end of August. If successful, his family would join him after the election, The Press reported. 

Former Federated Farmers national president Katie Milne replaces electorate MP Maureen Pugh on the National Party’s ticket for West Coast-Tasman. Ms Milne, a fifth-generation West Coast famer, was born and bred near Greymouth, where she attended John Paul II High School.

Former two-term Buller mayor Jamie Cleine will be the New Zealand First candidate.

The General Election will be on Saturday, November 7.

FULL STORY

National, Labour confirm candidates (By Brendon McMahon/Otago Daily Times)

Rory Paterson selected as Labour candidate for West Coast-Tasman (NZ Labour Party)

Contenders for West Coast-Tasman announced (The Press/Pressreader – subscription required)

Parliament in Election Year (NZ Parliament)