National reveals 2026 election candidates after a tough week for Luxon

National released its candidate list for the 2026 election on 8 August. It capped a week where Prime Minister Christopher Luxon apologised to Rotorua small businesses, was criticised for not acting against Foreign Minister Winston Peters, suggested a snap vote on how we elect MPs, and faced questions over Defence Force plane use. A Taxpayers' Union poll still predicted his government would return.