KEY POINTS:
Hamilton West
Sitting MP: Martin Gallagher (Labour).
Age: Born in 1952.
Background: Former deputy mayor of Hamilton, teacher.
Member of Parliament for Hamilton West 1993-1996 and 1999 to present.
Main challenger: Tim Macindoe (National).
Age: 47.
Background: Former teacher, currently chief executive Arts Waikato.
Hamilton East
Sitting MP: David Bennett (National).
Age: 37.
Background: Successful dairy farmer and previously an accountant for KPMG.
Main challenger: Sue Moroney (Labour).
Age: Born 1964.
Background: Former editor, journalist and advocate for the Nurses Union and Public Health Coalition.
Hunua
Sitting MP: Dr Paul Hutchison (National).
Age: Born in 1947.
Background: Extensive and highly successful medical career. Won the Port Waikato seat in 1999.
Main challenger: Jordan Carter (Labour).
Age: 30.
Background: internetNZ deputy executive director and first-time Labour candidate.
Waikato
Sitting MP: Lindsay Tisch (National).
Age: 61.
Background: Former management consultant and farm valuer. Has held National's racing, small business and internal affairs portfolios since 2002.
Main challenger: Jacinda Ardern (Labour).
Age: 28.
Background: President of the International Union of Socialist Youth. Former Beehive adviser.
