Safe battleground

Rangitata

General electorate

—

days to election day

What it takes to flip this seat

James Meager won by 10,846 votes in 2023 — 5,423 voters switching to a challenger would have flipped Rangitata.

In the news

Coverage naming Rangitata or James, from our tracked feeds.

No coverage naming Rangitata or its MP yet in our tracked feeds — this fills in automatically as outlets report on the race.

The roster

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

Won Rangitata by a majority of 10,846 in 2023 — a safe seat.

James Meager is the Member of Parliament for Rangitata. First elected in 2023, he is Minister for Youth, Minister for the South Island, and Minister for Hunting and Fishing.

Full MP profile

What James has prioritised this term

Official roles, sourced from parliament.nz.

Spokesperson roles

Minister for Youth
Minister for the South Island
Minister for Hunting and Fishing
Associate Minister of Transport

Legislative activity this term

From Parliament's official bills record, as at 24 June 2026.

Government bills in charge (2)

Game Animal Council (Herds of Special Interest) Amendment Bill
Regulatory Systems (Transport) Amendment Bill

Battlegrounds map 2026 election

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