Senior Labour MP Megan Woods has announced she will not seek re-election in the Christchurch electorate of Wigram, opting instead to stand as a list candidate in the 2026 general election.
Woods, who has represented Wigram since 2011, shared the news in a Facebook post, calling it “both humbling and the honour of a lifetime” to serve her community.
“While this has been a difficult decision, after deep reflection, I’ve decided not to seek re-election in Wigram in 2026. Instead, I’ll be seeking selection for the Labour List to part of the new Government Chris Hipkins forms in 2026.”
Reflecting on her election in November 2011, she said she thought the “biggest challenge” she would face would be helping Christchurch recover from the earthquakes.
“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.”
Woods said she had made a commitment to herself to run only if she could commit to serving the full six-year boundary cycle.
“In 2014 and 2019, when we had new boundaries, I could say ‘absolutely yes’ to a six-year commitment. This time, I can’t.”
Woods held several senior ministerial portfolios during her time in government, including Housing, Energy and Resources, Building and Construction, Infrastructure, Economic Development, Forestry, Police, and Research, Science, and Innovation.
She is currently ranked at number fouron the Labour list and is the party spokesperson for Manufacturing and Industry, Energy and Resources, and Associate Finance.
