Van Velden has succeeded, however, in putting together the least-worst resolution to the Holidays Act debacle – a problem that plagued many ministers before her. Act Party deputy leader Brooke van Velden has announced she will not stand for re-election in the 2026 general election. Van Velden is a different kind of female politician. That being said, list MP Nicole McKee is considered the strongest contender to replace van Velden as Act deputy. Van Velden has achieved a lot of change in politics in a short time, especially for someone so young.

Source: New Zealand Herald March 24, 2026 03:56 UTC