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Local party members have selected Emma Chatterton as National’s candidate in Papakura for the 2026 general election.
Chatterton is a senior advisor to Education Minister Erica Stanford and has previously worked for ImpactLab, working in social investment under the leadership of Sir Bill English.
She spent more than a decade as a teacher in both the United Kingdom and New Zealand.
She was National’s candidate in Remutaka for the 2023 general election, but was born and raised in Counties-Manukau.
“It is a privilege to have the opportunity to campaign as National’s candidate in Papakura,” says Chatterton.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced in January that current Papakura MP Judith Collins will be appointed to the role from mid-2026, marking the end of a parliamentary career that began in 2002 when she was first elected to represent the former Clevedon electorate, later becoming Papakura.
“I firstly want to acknowledge Judith Collins for her 24 years of service to the people of this electorate and as a Minister across two National Governments. She leaves a legacy of hard work and delivery, which I plan on building on.”
Chatterton was born and raised in the local area, with four generations of her family living, working and farming in the region.
“My parents worked hard and made sacrifices to give us every opportunity to experience success. That’s what motivates me and what I want for my family and every family in this country.
“Teaching gave me a passion for unlocking potential and working in social investment instilled in me the importance of delivering the right service to the right person at the right time. To have a highly productive economy, higher incomes, more opportunity, we need a world-leading education system that sets kiwi kids up for success. The current reforms are already showing results, and I am passionate about ensuring they are enduring.
“I will be campaigning hard to help re-elect a National Government that is fixing the basics and building the future to create jobs, lift wages and lower price increases.
“I will be working as hard as I can to re-elect a National Government and earn the right to take Papakura forward as its next National MP.”
