Chlöe Swarbrick is ahead of National’s Candace Kinser as counting continues in Auckland Central, with the Green co-leader seeking another term representing the central-city electorate.
Chlöe Swarbrick is leading the race to retain Auckland Central, but the preliminary count has not yet settled the result.
At our 10.18pm NZDT check on Saturday 7 November, preliminary Electoral Commission results showed Swarbrick on 11,650 votes, 2,823 ahead of National challenger Candace Kinser on 8,827, with 63 of 104 results counted (60.6 per cent).
That gives Swarbrick an advantage as more results arrive on Saturday night. It does not yet establish a final winning margin.
A Seat With Rainbow Significance
Swarbrick, who publicly identifies as queer, has represented Auckland Central since 2020.
She first entered Parliament as a Green list MP in 2017 and became the party’s co-leader in March 2024. This election therefore brings together two tests: defending her electorate and leading the Greens’ national campaign.
For rainbow readers, the contest follows the electoral fortunes of one of Aotearoa’s most prominent openly LGBTQ+ politicians.
Counting Continues
Her lead has grown from the 2,019-vote advantage recorded in YOUR EX’s earlier election-night update.
However, the remaining ordinary returns still need to be counted, and special votes will be included during the official count. The Electoral Commission expects to publish the official results on Friday 27 November.
For now, Swarbrick is ahead in her defence of Auckland Central. Whether she retains the seat, and by what margin, remains to be confirmed.
