Take a look at our Candidates 2026.
#1 Maki Herbert ALCP Co-Leader and our candidate for Te Taitokerau. · Maki Herbert | Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party “Prohibition hasn’t worked.” Maki Herbert has been advocating for cannabis legalization in Te Tai Tokerau since the 2011 by-election and has consistently returned to the ballot in nearly every subsequent election. In this Te Wero: Te Tai Tokerau Electorate interview for te Kūkupa news, Yvonne Tahana speaks with Maki about her upbringing in Pawarenga, the Auckland cannabis club that inspired her political journey, and her years of largely self-funded campaigning. Maki outlines her vision for cannabis as an economic opportunity in Te Tai Tokerau, from hemp housing and tourism to horticulture training and employment for Rangatahi, emphasizing that iwi and Rūnanga should take the lead, with or without bank support. She also addresses questions about funding, her own early use of cannabis at age 15, and her whānau’s perspective on her recurring campaigns. Watch the full kōrero with Maki Herbert on te Kūkupa – ngā karere o Te Tai Tokerau.
#2 Michael Appleby A.L.C.P. Co-Leader and our Candidate for Wellington Central. I have lived in Wellington for some 47 years and have four daughters. I have been a lawyer for 50 years and helped form the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party 26 years ago. I have been the leader and co leader since then. I have taught law at the Universities of Auckland, Massey, Victoria, Otago, and Central Queensland. I graduated from Otago with Batchelors degree in Arts and Law, and a master’s in law (Hons). I have specialised in defending kiwis on drugs charges, as well as working for some of the leading law firms such as Phillips Fox and Minters Ellison Rudd Watts as they now are. I am proud that I have successfully helped lead the fight to legalise Industrial Hemp and Medical Cannabis, and to help change the law on possession of cannabis so that the police are required to show that it is in the public interest to prosecute. And in the Referendum 49% of the population voted for legalisation. I have run for Parliament 10 times in Wellington Central and will continue to run until the law is changed and past cannabis convictions are expunged.
#3 Jeff Lye A.L.C.P. Candidate for Northland. I'm a father of 3, stepfather of four and among them have given us 17 beautiful grandchildren (mokopuna). I have been fighting for fairness since way before 2 degrees and won’t stop until we get the current law overturned. I began my quest in my 20’s joining the very reputable organization NORML. I joined A L C P in 2008 to run in Auckland as there was no other representation there. In 2011, I ran in Waitakere where The National party narrowly won and then abolished the seat of Waitakere making safe seats Upper Harbour for national and Kelston which was more suitable for Labour. I ran in Kelston in 2014, 2017 and 2020, ill health forced me to sell my successful moving business “Careful Carriers” and move north where we settled near Kaikohe and am pleased to announce that, that is where I will be running in the 2023 General election. In the electorate of Northland. Being surrounded by very supportive family, friends and colleagues, I am looking forward to this year's General Election 2026. Jeff Lye ALCP deputy leader westeejeff@hotmail.com www.alcp.org.nz
#4 Paula Lambert A.L.C.P Candidate for Christchurch East. Paula is a strong, no-nonsense advocate for legalisation. Whānau and community Immediate law reform priorities. Send the Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill straight to select committee as a Cannabis Choice Bill, with inclusive amendments for small operators. Introduce a moratorium on arrests. Allow up to five plants per household immediately. Keep supplying cannabis to minors as an arrestable offence, consistent with an age-restricted model. Edibles Vaporised Quality Product Responsible Adult Consumers, Homegrown, Health Promotion Strictly NOT FOR CHILDREN (consistent message alongside tobacco, vapes, liquor, etc.) Jobs, Revenue and Tax, Cottage Industry, Tourism Post Covid Recovery. Restore Law and Order. Friendly Police FOCUS ON REAL CRIME Courts no longer the enemy… Expunge Criminal Records. Drug education untainted by hypocritical double standards. Drug testing for impairment, not recent use of easily detected cannabis Civil Liberty, Human Rights, Cognitive Liberty, Respect for Nature, Honest Representation and Accountability in MMP Parliament. HIGHLY Successful Canadian LEGAL Model has origins in New Zealand’s 2008 ‘Class D’ protocol: “SAFER THAN ALCOHOL”
#5 Christopher Manaia A.L.C.P Candidate for Auckland Central. Kia ora Auckland Central. I’m Christopher Manaia, standing for the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party because our cannabis laws are outdated, costly and unjust. Prohibition has harmed communities, criminalised ordinary New Zealanders and contributed to an unregulated black market. I support fully legalising and regulating cannabis for medicinal, recreational, spiritual and industrial use, replacing the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 with evidence-based, harm-reduction laws, and clearing historical cannabis convictions. Legalisation could create new opportunities through regulated businesses, jobs, taxation, hemp, housing and manufacturing. I also believe roadside drug testing should focus on actual impairment, not simply the presence of THC. As a long-time cannabis advocate and hemp industry worker, I bring practical experience and a commitment to fairness. Auckland Central deserves a strong voice for sensible cannabis reform. Together, we can end prohibition and help build a healthier, fairer and more prosperous Aotearoa for future generations. What I improved: Removed repetition, tightened the policy list, and retained Christopher’s strong campaign voice and key priorities.
#6 Anntwinette Grumball 57. A.L.C.P. Candidate for Invercargill. I’m Anntwinette Grumball, 57, born in Dunedin and raised in Timaru before moving to Gore in 1980. I completed my intermediate and high school education in Gore, achieving School Certificate, Sixth Form Certificate, sporting colours and serving as a house captain. Sport and outdoor life have always been important to me. I played netball, basketball, softball and tennis, while also participating in pony club and hunting with the local hunt club, where I earned my hunt colours. My love of horses runs through my family, with my great-grandfather working with Clydesdales. My working life began as a secretary with the borough council, followed by roles in insurance and typesetting. These experiences have given me an appreciation for hard work, community and everyday New Zealanders. I’m proud to stand for the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party in Invercargill and bring my life experience, determination and practical perspective to positive cannabis law reform.
#7 Blair Anderson A.L.C.P. Candidate for Christchurch Central. I have been a frontline advocate for cannabis law reform for over 30 years and joined the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party in 1996. As Deputy Leader, I have stood in several electorates and presented to select committees, highlighting the links between prohibition, crime and social harm. I support harm minimisation and evidence-based cannabis regulation. I have followed international cannabis reform closely, travelling to Canada, attending conferences, visiting cannabis cafés and medical dispensaries, and engaging with government representatives. I have also promoted research on the economic benefits of cannabis regulation. I am concerned that roadside drug testing should focus on actual impairment rather than simply detecting substances in a person’s body. As a businessman and property developer, I believe practical reform can support economic opportunity, fairness and social wellbeing. I remain committed to serving New Zealanders and advancing sensible, evidence-based cannabis law reform. Improvements: Reduced repetition, tightened the roadside-testing section, and made the profile more professional while preserving Blair’s experience and core message.
#8 Tania Hanare A.L.C.P. Candidate for Te Tai Toanga. Tena koutou katoa. Ko Te Rarawa, me Ngāti Maniaptopo, me Ngāti Paua oku iwi. No Tamaki Makaurau au, ingari no Murihiku au. Ko Akaroa toku kainga inaianei. Ko Tania Henare au. I am of Maori and Pakeha descent, a mother of 4 Tamariki and grandmother of 6 Mokopuna. I have lived in Te Tai Tonga since moving to Invercargill as a child. I am proud to be a candidate for ALCP Te Tai Toanga. I believe Aotearoa is ready to legalise cannabis, as 48.8% voted for in the Cannabis Referendum 2020. I believe cannabis should be legalised. Medical cannabis and a robust Hemp industry would lead to better health outcomes, healthier homes, reduced crime, increase GDP and taxes. Legalisation will free up our court, empty our prisons, reduce crime. Maori are overrepresented in our prisons and judicial and health systems. The financial benefits of legalisation would be, reduced health visits, reduced court and prison times and costs. Economic growth would be expediential. Hemp can be used across multiple industries, building, textiles, agriculture and food production. Hemp improves the biodiversity of our whenua. Aotearoa could reclaim our clean, green image, by the legalisation of a plant. Nga mihi nui Na Tania Henare
#9 Romana Manz Manning A.L.C.P. candidate for Tukituki. I am pleased to stand as an ALCP candidate for the 5th time, in this General Election2026. I support cannabis law reform because criminalisation burdens police and unfairly damages the lives, careers, and travel options of people found with small amounts. No one should carry a lifelong criminal label for association with a plant. Medical cannabis is still too costly and hard to access, while “Green Fairies” face unsafe and unreliable supply due to cultivation risks. I support legal medical and recreational access with strict age and quality controls, so patients can obtain safe, tested products. Hemp also has major potential. Current rules are now available to anyone! Hempcrete is fire resistance, insulation, local sourcing, lower costs, and creating job opportunities. Hemp foods and products offer health, vegan, protein, and environmental benefits. I advocate cannabis law reform, fair access to regulated cannabis, strict safeguards, and recognition of hemp’s potential.
#10 Adrian McDermott A.L.C.P List Candidate for Dunedin North. I’m Adrian McDermot, a pensioner with a background in mathematics, physics, electrical engineering, trades and farming. I studied at Massey University and worked across electrical, mechanical, construction and agricultural fields. I’m standing with the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party because New Zealand needs alternatives to the National-Labour political establishment. Cannabis law reform offers opportunities for health, industry, employment and economic development. I also support fairer road-user charges, particularly for working tradies reliant on diesel vehicles. Above all, I believe New Zealand must recognise the potential uses of cannabis and consider practical alternative policies that put people and their livelihoods first.
#11 Irinka Britnell A.L.C.P List candidate only. My late husband Michael Britnell and I joined the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party in 1996, recognising the injustice caused by cannabis prohibition. Thirty years later, I remain committed to completing cannabis law reform in New Zealand. I support legal adult access to cannabis, including the freedom to grow at home or purchase from licensed R18 outlets, and the expungement of historical cannabis convictions. I also support affordable medicinal cannabis and greater opportunities for New Zealand’s sustainable hemp industry. Roadside drug testing should focus on actual impairment, not simply the presence of cannabis in a person’s body. Cannabis reform is also an economic opportunity. A regulated cannabis and hemp sector could create jobs, support businesses and generate tax revenue that can contribute toward health, education, housing and infrastructure. I believe cannabis law reform is ultimately about fairness, human rights and practical solutions. Please give your party vote to Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party. Improvements: Removed repetition, strengthened readability, and kept Irinka’s main priorities and personal commitment.
#12 Russell Haynes A.L.C.P List ONLY Candidate.I’m Russell Haynes, an A.L.C.P. List Only candidate. I believe I can contribute most by being on the ground, talking with people throughout the country rather than being restricted to one electorate. Aotearoa is my seat. I have been a cannabis activist for over 30 years. After losing my father following his treatment for cancer and leukaemia, I became deeply committed to helping people in palliative care access cannabis for comfort and a better quality of life. I have travelled New Zealand’s major roads, meeting people involved in industrial hemp, medicinal cannabis, personal use, and politics. These experiences have strengthened my belief that cannabis law reform must respect personal choice and compassionate access. I strongly support the right of adults to grow and produce their own rongoā, alongside sensible cannabis reform that serves our communities. For me, this Kaupapa is about compassion, freedom, dignity and giving people greater choice over their own wellbeing.
