National releases 2026 candidate list after a bruising week for Luxon

The National Party released its full candidate list for the 2026 General Election on 8 August. The announcement capped a week in which Prime Minister Christopher Luxon apologised to small businesses in Rotorua, was criticised for not disciplining Foreign Minister Winston Peters, floated an impromptu referendum on MMP, and drew fire over his use of Defence Force planes. A Taxpayers' Union Curia poll still predicted a coalition return.