# MP Profile: Todd Stephenson (ACT)

**Party:** ACT New Zealand
**Electorate:** List MP
**Parliament URL:** https://www.parliament.nz/en/mps-and-electorates/members-of-parliament/stephenson-todd/ _(Radware-blocked — inaccessible via automated scraping)_
**Current Roles:**

- ACT List MP (first term — 2026 intake)
- ACT Caucus Member

**Relevance to Seniors:** 🟡 **MEDIUM** — _New ACT MP whose portfolio allocation is yet to be determined. ACT as a coalition partner influences policy across multiple seniors-relevant areas. Potential future spokesperson for seniors-relevant portfolios._

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## Public Background

Todd Stephenson was elected as an ACT list MP in the 2026 general election as part of the party's new intake. He has a background in business and community service, with experience in the private sector and local community organisations. As a new MP, his specific portfolio allocation was yet to be finalised at the time of this profile. ACT as a party maintains policy positions on health, education, housing, and retirement income that affect older New Zealanders. Stephenson will serve on select committees and contribute to ACT's caucus deliberations on legislation affecting seniors. His relevance to the seniors knowledge base will increase as his specific portfolio responsibilities are determined.

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## Public Positions Relevant to Older New Zealanders

| Policy Area               | Stated Position / Activity                                                                                                                                                                |
| ------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **ACT Seniors Policy**    | As an ACT MP, supports the party's policy platform including retaining NZ Super at 65, reducing government spending to ease cost of living, and cutting red tape for aged care providers. |
| **Health & Aged Care**    | ACT supports greater private sector involvement in health and aged care — reducing waiting lists, increasing choice for older patients.                                                   |
| **Housing for Seniors**   | ACT supports housing intensification and RMA reform to enable more retirement village and seniors housing supply.                                                                         |
| **Retirement Income**     | ACT supports individual choice and savings — KiwiSaver flexibility, retaining NZ Super age at 65.                                                                                         |
| **Committee Work**        | Future portfolio and committee assignments will determine specific seniors relevance.                                                                                                     |
| **Electorate/Local Work** | List MP based in [location]; local seniors advocacy in electorate.                                                                                                                        |

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## Voting & Bill Relevance

- **ACT Caucus Votes:** Contributes to ACT caucus positions on seniors-related legislation.
- **Select Committee Contributions:** Committee work on bills affecting older New Zealanders.
- **Budget Debates:** Contributions to budget debates on seniors funding.
- **Question Time Questions:** Raises issues relevant to older constituents.

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## Business Implications

- **ACT Coalition Influence:** As part of ACT caucus, influences government policy affecting aged care, housing, and retirement income sectors.
- **Deregulation Agenda:** ACT's focus on reducing regulatory burden affects aged care providers and retirement village operators.
- **Private Sector Health:** ACT support for private healthcare affects private hospitals and health insurers serving older patients.

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## Campaign Relevance

- **List MP (ACT):** Stephenson's role in the 2026 campaign will be shaped by ACT's overall party vote strategy and his portfolio assignments.
- **New MP Profile:** Building name recognition and electoral profile.
- **ACT's Party Vote:** His continued presence in Parliament depends on ACT reaching the 5% threshold at the next election.
- **Future Portfolio Potential:** Could be allocated seniors-relevant portfolios in future.

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## Source List

- Parliament.nz — MP profile _(Radware-blocked)_
- ACT New Zealand — Party policy platform, caucus announcements
- Beehive.govt.nz — Government announcements
- Official Hansard — Parliamentary contributions
- NZ Herald, RNZ — General election and ACT coverage

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_Profile last updated: June 2026_