Vote for Te Tiriti and indulge in some gentle Election Bingo

The 54th New Zealand parliament has provided profound challenges to equity, fairness and social justice. People I love, the planet itself, and the foundational commitments of Te Tiriti have been doing it incredibly tough. While I am not a member of a political party, I genuinely appreciate the opportunity to vote for what matters most to me: Te Tiriti o Waitangi, fundamental human rights, the wellbeing of our planet, robust public health systems, the rights of tangata whaikaha, and the ongoing fight for pay equity.

I often watch the live coverage of election results coming in, a ritual of civic engagement, but I admit to losing interest during protracted coalition negotiations. Election coverage, much like an All Black test match rerun, is not for everyone, particularly when the stakes feel so immediately heavy.

If you haven’t already, I urge you to check whether everyone in your life who is eligible – and this includes gang members – is enrolled to vote. [Check here] In this current climate, characterised by voter suppression tactics, systemic misogyny, and increasingly anti-Tiriti and anti-Māori policy and practice, we need absolutely everyone to exercise their democratic right. If you truly care about Te Tiriti and the vital work of the Waitangi Tribunal, you must be prepared to have those uncomfortable conversations with friends, family, acquaintances, and even strangers. Sometimes, that is exactly what being an active citizen and a responsible tangata Tiriti requires of us. Consider supporting the Combined Trade Union Vote Together campaign by voting early and visibly. You can check out your local candidates here.

This election night, I have pulled together a stellar tapa dinner menu, invited my aunt and uncle over, and designed a bingo game to help process the evening. I invite you to print out my bingo sheet or perhaps make your own. Yes, election night might be painful. There might be tears, and there will likely be anger. But let us remain active citizens. Let us keep learning about the nuances of strategic voting, the necessity of political accountability, and the dangers of fake news. Let us keep a critical eye on the Dirty Work of New Zealand politics, holding fast to our vision of a just, equitable, and Tiriti-honouring Aotearoa.

Election 2026 Bingo card

Glenn Bennett wins his seat	Huhana Lyndon wins her seat	Sausage roll	Mention “hung parliament”
A horse	Candidate’s mum is with them	Sighting of an all red outfit	“Wait for the special votes”
Electoral commission website down	Record rangatahi turnout	Paul Henry in parliament	King-maker 12 x
Luxon corporate buzzword - laser focussed,	An awkward Provincial Pub Cross	David Seymour wearing pink	Max Harris wins his seat
Chloe Strawbridge standing ovation	Opportunity party hit 5%	Mention - Capital Gains Tax	Politician holding or kissing a baby
Union merch sighting	Someone riding a bike or public transport to candidate party	Mispronunciation of te reo	Mention term separatism
Someone playing Queen “We are the champions”	An all-green outfit	Rawiri’s Cowboy Hat	A haka somewhere
Someone drinking craft beer	“Landslide”	Mention of the Waitangi Tribunal	Tania Waikato in parliament
All white commentary panel	All male commentary panel	A Disability sector expert	Māori Pati secure five seats
Nicky Hager asked to comment	Winston Peters “the people have spoken”	“The country is divided”	“Squeezed middle”.

Print out the card and as with regular bingo and cross off the phrase as you hear them, or as the event takes place or as you see them on screen. May Te Tiriti win on election night.