Former All Blacks captain Taine Randell is set to step into politics as New Zealand First’s candidate for the Tukituki electorate, marking a high-profile shift from sport to public office.
According to legacy media his expected announcement in Hastings was disrupted by Cyclone Vaianu, but his candidacy signals a notable challenge in a seat currently held by Catherine Wedd, who secured a strong victory in 2023 after unseating Labour’s Anna Lorck.
Randell captained the All Blacks from 1998 to 2001 and enjoyed a celebrated provincial career with Otago and the Highlanders.
🚩 Breaking: Taine Randell to run for NZfirst.
ACT runs a Co-governance enthusiast.
While NZFirst runs former All Black captain. pic.twitter.com/u7XCREIyz8— Holyhekatuiteka (@2ETEKA) April 14, 2026
They are going to need a lot of candidates as they are probably going to get more votes than National.
Lets hope they do as they say,
An honest politician is as unthinkable as an honest burglar.
The new Maori Party.
Well I’d vote for him.
The party political system operates on personalities, popularity and appeals to base emotions. These features of a fake democracy would all evaporate in a direct democracy where decisions are voted on by the people via referendums out in the open – not decided in back-room “deals”.
The political party system is the problem, not the solution.
Meh…..since when did NZF make a difference?
Since Winston announced Hipkins, Arden and Bloomfield new of serious risks to teens taking a booster shot.
What’s the alternative?
National like Labor Greens & Māori party all want to destroy our way of life to facilitate agenda 2030.
There actions speak volumes.
https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda
It all sounds good but its tyranny by an unelected few. WEF/U.N/WHO
Wonderful news, very sincere and dedicated man who understands this crazy political world we live in 😊
In contrast, the Green party has a bunch of professional shirt lifting tiddlywinks who have accomplished and contributed absolutely nothing while they destroyed our taxed paid oil refinery.
News media should interview these dimwits and ask them why they all shouldn’t be jailed for wilful damage to public property and the economy.