Both the Labour and ACT parties have announced their candidates that will be running in the upcoming Tauranga by-election.

Cameron Luxton has been appointed as the ACT party candidate, while Jan Tinetti has been selected as the Labour party candidate.

Statements released to SunLive confirm that both parties are enthusiastic about announcing their candidate.

'A vote for Cameron Luxton in Tauranga will send a message to Government that it's time for real change,” says ACT Leader David Seymour.

'Tauranga needs a strong voice to stand up for it. Cameron Luxton is a builder and father who understands the problems Tauranga city faces, as well as the solutions to those problems.”

Act Leader David Seymour with newly appointed candidate Cameron Luxton. Supplied Photo.

'ACT has recently done polling in Tauranga and it showed overwhelmingly that the people here believe ACT is the strongest voice in Opposition. A vote for Cameron will only make our voice stronger.

'Cameron is an outstanding candidate and I'm excited to campaign alongside him to win this seat.

'ACT is the party of practical solutions to improve the lives of New Zealanders and create thriving communities.

'ACT is in it to win it. The ACT bus will be relocated to Tauranga, we've opened an office on Grey St and we plan to show why we're considered the strongest opposition voice in New Zealand politics. With Cameron in Parliament, we'll only be stronger.”

Cameron is a self-employed builder and married father of two kids who lives in Papamoa where he was raised. Cameron's seven year 'OE” was in a great little place next to Te Urewera National park named Galatea, share-milking a 200ha operation.

He won Apprentice of the Year at the Dairy Industry Awards, but the most important experience he had during this time was joining a community and developing relationships with people in the one of the poorest, most deprived areas in the region.

'As a builder and a business owner, I understand better than anyone the challenges that Tauranga faces with infrastructure. I've also watched as gang numbers have exploded here, it's time someone took on the real issues facing this region,” says Cameron Luxton.

'I'll be campaigning to introduce a GST sharing scheme with councils. Infrastructure is the biggest issue our region faces. Our Policy is estimated to deliver $1 billion every year to support local development enabling infrastructure. Councils that consent more, get more.

'Instead of forcing councils to come begging for special funds from the Government, ACT would provide an enduring and predictable solution for infrastructure funding.

'It encourages councils to consent more because they get more when buildings are completed.

'Local councils face poor incentives to build. Every new development involves costs to existing ratepayers to provide new roads, water, and sewerage connections. These costs act as a disincentive for councils to approve new houses and subdivisions.

'I'm ready to take on the big issues facing the best city in New Zealand.”

Jan is no stranger to Tauranga, having been a principal at Merivale School before becoming a Labour List MP and Government Minsiter.

"I'm proud to announce that Labour's candidate for the Tauranga by-election is Jan Tinetti," says Labour President Claire Szabó.

"Jan is one of Labour's high-fliers, and is already a fantastic representative in government and Cabinet for the people of Tauranga.

Labour candidate Jan Tinetti. Supplied Photo.

"She has deep roots in the local community, having served as Principal of Tauranga's Merivale School for eleven years before entering Parliament in 2017.

"Jan has earned rapid promotion within Labour since entering Parliament, and is currently Minister of Internal Affairs, Minister for Women and Associate Minister of Education.

"Whilst Tauranga is a safe National seat that Labour hasn't won since 1935, Jan will be making the case that the Tauranga community has benefited enormously from Labour's strong COVID management, and will benefit again from Labour's strong management as the economy rebuilds, especially through exports and the reopening of tourism."

In accepting the nomination, Jan says while Labour hasn't won Tauranga in a long time, she's excited to showcase Labour's values and achievements in this by-election.

"I offer the community in Tauranga a direct voice in Government and a seat at the Cabinet table. The future of Tauranga is central to the future of New Zealand."