National's 2026 candidate list lands after a rough week for Luxon

National released its full 2026 candidate list on 8 August. The announcement ended a week where Prime Minister Christopher Luxon apologised to Rotorua small businesses, faced criticism for not disciplining Foreign Minister Winston Peters, floated an impromptu referendum on the MMP voting system, and drew fire over Defence Force plane use. A Taxpayers' Union Curia poll still predicted a coalition return.