Labour MP Megan Woods not contesting electorate seat in 2026 election

Labour MP Megan Woods will not contest Wigram in 2026. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Senior Labour MP Megan Woods says she will not contest the electorate seat she’s held for 15 years in the 2026 election.

In a social media post, Woods confirmed after “deep reflection” she would not seek Christchurch’s Wigram seat next year, but would remain on Labour’s list.

“When I first stood, I made a commitment to myself: I’d only run if I could commit to serving the full six-year boundary cycle,” she said in her post.

“In 2014 and 2019, when we had new boundaries, I could say, ‘absolutely yes’ to a six-year commitment. This time, I can’t.”

It’s time to pass the Wigram torch. Next year, by the time the election rolls around, I’ll have had the incredible...

Posted by Megan Woods - MP for Wigram on Saturday 2 August 2025

Woods noted how her initial years as an MP were spent responding to the Christchurch earthquakes, with little appreciation for what challenges would come in the future.

“I had no idea what lay ahead for us.

“Together, we’ve faced so much more: a terrorist attack, a global pandemic, and countless moments of heartbreak, strength, growth, connection and hope.

“So now, it’s time for me to support a new Labour candidate for Wigram. Someone who will earn your trust and carry forward our shared values, commitment and vision.”

Running as a list MP won’t threaten Woods’ return to Parliament in 2026. Given she was fourth on Labour’s list, there was little chance she would miss out.

Speaking to the Herald, Woods said it was “absolutely my intention” to stay for a full term as part of a Labour Government should her party emerge victorious next year.

Woods said she wasn’t thinking ahead to whether she would stand again in 2029, when asked if she would stay another term.

She wouldn’t speculate on who might run as Labour’s new Wigram candidate.

Adam Pearse is the Deputy Political Editor and part of the NZ Herald’s Press Gallery team based at Parliament in Wellington. He has worked for NZME since 2018, reporting for the Northern Advocate in Whangārei and the Herald in Auckland.