Election 2026: Bay of Plenty electoral candidates reveal music tastes and binge-watching habits at Tauranga Business Chamber event

In a departure from traditional political forums, a recent Tauranga Business Chamber event provided a glimpse into the personal interests of Bay of Plenty electoral candidates, including their music preferences and entertainment habits. The gathering, held at The Phoenix on a Wednesday evening, brought together representatives from multiple parties contesting the Tauranga and Mount Maunganui electorates.

The event, orchestrated by the Tauranga Business Chamber and moderated by its chief executive, Matt Cowley, encouraged candidates to discuss lighter subjects such as their favorite music genres, binge-watching choices, and holiday plans. This informal approach allowed attendees to observe a level of camaraderie among politicians typically viewed as rivals.

Among those present were National Party incumbents Sam Uffindell (Tauranga) and Tom Rutherford (Mount Maunganui), alongside Labour candidates Jan Tinetti and Rhieve Grey. The lineup also featured representatives from the Green Party, ACT, Opportunity Party, and New Zealand First, reflecting a broad political spectrum within the Bay of Plenty region.

National’s Sam Uffindell expressed a preference for cricket-themed holidays, highlighting a family trip to the Pacific Islands and a New Year's visit to Sydney to watch cricket matches. His leisure activities include surfing at Tay Street and sampling local delicacies such as Patrick's Pies in Bethlehem. Uffindell’s comments coincided with a subtle nod to National’s education policies concerning school attendance.

Tom Rutherford, who is notably younger than his appearance suggests, shared insights gained from reading Barry Soper's exploration of New Zealand prime ministers, which sparked reflections on political history that some in the audience found enlightening.

Labour's Jan Tinetti revealed an affinity for upbeat music, citing the 1980s hit 'Come On Eileen' as a go-to song for boosting her mood. She also surprised attendees with her hobby of rollerblading, adding a personal touch to her profile. Rhieve Grey, a newer Labour contender, praised local amenities such as the well-equipped parent rooms at Bayfair mall, reflecting on his experiences as a new parent.

Green Party candidate Pualele Westhead shared her aspirations for swimming skills and outlined travel plans to Sri Lanka and Niue. Her ideal weekend was described as relaxed, involving simple pleasures like a walk and breakfast at a café.

ACT's Cameron Luxton, distinguishing himself by a lack of television in his household, emphasized recognition for community contributors such as volunteer crossing guards. His absence of recent TV habits was linked to a desire to limit screen time for his children.

Michael Carter from the Opportunity Party connected his political career to his background in architecture, acknowledging the profession's lessons in perseverance and problem-solving. He humorously admitted that politics had delayed his architectural registration process.

New Zealand First's Tracey Coxhead favored a mix of music styles including R&B, reggae, and hard rock, with a specific mention of Rage Against the Machine. She also shared her interest in true crime documentaries, referencing a recent binge on a documentary about a notable American murder case.

Despite the variety of musical tastes, several candidates recounted an incident where they carpooled together from Tauranga to Wellington during disrupted flights, underscoring a practical collaboration beyond party lines.

Attendees from the local business community appreciated the event's informal nature and the opportunity to meet candidates personally. Issues such as the cost of living, economic stability, and government fiscal responsibility were highlighted as primary concerns influencing voter decisions.

The Tauranga Business Chamber gathering offered a refreshing perspective on electoral candidates, spotlighting their personalities and interests beyond policy debates. It demonstrated that despite political differences, there exists a shared commitment to community engagement and personal connection ahead of the 2026 election.