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Top 20 X (Twitter) Influencers in New Zealand in 2026

Explore the top 20 X Twitter influencers in New Zealand for 2026. This list highlights creators, journalists, and brands shaping daily trends, breaking news, and popular topics online. today in 2026.

March 30, 2026
Elena Freeman
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Elena Freeman

Elena Freeman designs partnerships and events at Favikon. She cares about building spaces where creators, brands, and ideas meet in ways that feel real and memorable. From partner programs to community gatherings, she focuses on making connections that spark collaboration and professional growth.

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Here’s the list of the Top 20 X (Twitter) Influencers in New Zealand in 2026:

20. Sonny Bill Williams

Sonny Bill Williams is a dual-code champion athlete and motivational speaker, focusing on mindset, growth, and family values. He shares insights on faith, personal development, and sports, engaging his audience with relatable content. His posts often reflect gratitude, cultural heritage, and social issues, including support for Palestine. Williams emphasizes the importance of mental strength alongside physical training, aiming to inspire others through his journey and experiences.

X Score: 80.3/100

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19. William McGimpsey

William McGimpsey is a public policy professional and political commentator from New Zealand, advocating for free speech and critiquing modern immigration policies. His social media presence is characterized by strong opinions on national identity, immigration, and political correctness, often challenging mainstream narratives. He engages with topics such as diversity, inclusion, and government policies, reflecting a conservative viewpoint. His posts frequently garner significant engagement, indicating a dedicated following.

X Score: 80.3/100

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18. Henry Cooke

Henry Cooke is a deputy political editor with a focus on journalism and commentary. He shares insights on political issues, travel experiences, and book recommendations. His work has been featured in various prominent publications, including The Guardian and The Spinoff. Cooke engages with his audience through thought-provoking posts and discussions about current events, particularly in New Zealand. He also runs a newsletter, providing additional commentary and analysis.

X Score: 80.4/100

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17. Brian Tamaki

Brian Tamaki is a NZ-based religious leader and political activist, founder of Destiny Church, The Freedoms & Rights Coalition and ManUp. He uses social media to mobilize supporters around faith, family and nationalist causes, promotes anti-immigration stances, and advocates for anti-establishment political action in New Zealand. His posts blend religious messaging with aggressive political advocacy and protest leadership.

X Score: 80.9/100

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16. Shane Jones

Shane Jones is a New Zealand First MP based in Northland, advocating for economic development and resource utilization. He emphasizes the importance of using New Zealand's natural resources to create jobs and boost the economy, often criticizing environmental policies that hinder development. His social media presence reflects a strong stance against immigration policies he perceives as detrimental and a commitment to local industries, particularly mining and energy. Jones actively engages with his constituents through public meetings and social media.

X Score: 80.9/100

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15. Hamish McKenzie

Hamish McKenzie is the co-founder of Substack, a platform for paid newsletters, and a former journalist with a focus on technology, business, and culture. He authored 'Insane Mode,' detailing Tesla's impact on the automotive industry. His social media presence emphasizes free speech, creator empowerment, and the evolving media landscape, advocating for independent writers and the redistribution of media power. He engages with topics around the future of media and the importance of ownership for creators.

X Score: 81.2/100

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14. Helen Clark

Helen Clark is a former Prime Minister of New Zealand and former Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). She is a prominent advocate for sustainable development, global health, gender equality, and climate action. Her online presence focuses on international relations, humanitarian crises, and policy advocacy, often highlighting her involvement with The Elders and other global initiatives. She shares insights on geopolitics, public health, and social justice, leveraging her extensive experience in governance and multilateralism.

X Score: 81.3/100

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13. Nick Young

New Zealand-based climate & political campaigner (West Auckland) known for bold, data-informed critique of fossil fuel policy, seabed mining bans, and support for renewable energy. Active on Twitter with strong calls for climate action, clean water, and ocean protection; communicates with non-profit and public policy lens; advocates for science-backed environmental policy.

X Score: 81.3/100

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12. Sam

NZ-born startup sales leader focused on hiring high-performing B2B sales teams for fast-growing SaaS companies in the US and globally. Shares data-driven GTM and hiring strategies, practical career advice, and real-world compensation insights, with blunt, actionable takes on quotas, equity, and recruiting.

X Score: 82.4/100

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11. Nick Mowbray

Nick Mowbray is the co-founder of ZURU, a leading toy company known for innovative products like Bunch O Balloons and X-Shot. He emphasizes automation and efficiency in production, aiming to disrupt the FMCG sector. Mowbray is also involved in social initiatives, such as supporting fertility treatments through the Gingernuts Angels campaign. His posts reflect a strong focus on competition, innovation, and the importance of product quality in the toy industry.

X Score: 82.7/100

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10. Bryce Edwards

Bryce Edwards is a political commentator and analyst, contributing columns to notable publications such as the New Zealand Herald and The Guardian. He focuses on media integrity and the scrutiny of vested interests in New Zealand, advocating for in-depth journalism through initiatives like the Integrity Institute. His social media presence reflects a commitment to political discourse and media accountability.

X Score: 82.7/100

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09. Christopher Bishop

New Zealand MP for Hutt South and minister for Housing, Infrastructure, and RMA Reform; Leader of the House. Active on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, sharing policy updates on housing, transport, and planning reform, plus on-the-ground progress from local projects and community events.

X Score: 82.8/100

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08. Winston Peters

Winston Peters is a prominent New Zealand politician and the leader of New Zealand First. He serves as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Racing, and Minister for Rail. His social media presence primarily focuses on political commentary, public addresses, and updates on infrastructure projects, particularly in rail and transport. Peters frequently shares insights from parliamentary debates, press conferences, and public events, emphasizing his expertise and authority in governance and policy. His content often highlights nationalistic values and critiques opposing political parties, reflecting his role as a key figure in New Zealand's political landscape.

X Score: 83.2/100

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07. Ani O'Brien

Ani O'Brien is a vocal advocate for women's rights, justice, and democracy, often expressing her opinions on political matters with a focus on authenticity and principled discourse. She engages critically with current events, particularly in New Zealand, and is unafraid to challenge mainstream narratives. Her content reflects a strong stance on various social issues, including LGBTQIA+ rights and critiques of political figures and policies, showcasing her commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.

X Score: 83.8/100

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06. Peter Beck

Peter Beck is the Founder & CEO of Rocket Lab, a company specializing in aerospace technology and rocket launches. His online presence primarily focuses on sharing updates about rocket launches, showcasing new camera angles, and promoting Rocket Lab's achievements. He frequently posts about mission successes, technical details of rocket engines, and collaborations with organizations like NASA and the U.S. Space Force. His content is a mix of storytelling, expertise sharing, and promotional updates, often highlighting the company's advancements in space technology.

X Score: 84.5/100

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05. Dan Hooker

Dan Hooker is a prominent figure in the MMA community, known for his engaging social media presence that highlights his passion for fighting and the sport. He shares insights into his life as a fighter, promotes events like the $50,000 1-minute scraps tournament, and interacts with fans through humorous and candid posts. His content often features themes of resilience, competition, and camaraderie within the MMA world.

X Score: 85.2/100

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04. Scott McLaughlin

Scott McLaughlin is a professional IndyCar driver from New Zealand, currently competing in the IndyCar Series. He shares insights into his racing career, personal life, and family, often highlighting his experiences as a father. His social media presence features a mix of racing updates, personal anecdotes, and humor, engaging fans with behind-the-scenes content and vlogs. He promotes positivity and teamwork, often using the hashtag #thirsty3s to connect with his audience.

X Score: 85.8/100

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03. Christopher Luxon

Christopher Luxon is the Prime Minister of New Zealand, a role he actively promotes through his social media presence. His content primarily consists of political addresses, community engagements, and public announcements, often highlighting government initiatives, economic growth, and national events. He frequently shares updates on his interactions with local communities, international relations, and support for various sectors like education, sports, and emergency response efforts. His posts reflect his leadership role, emphasizing policy implementation, national pride, and community support.

X Score: 87.8/100

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02. Mason

Mason is a Kākāpō husbandry specialist who shares insights on various topics, including societal issues, parenting, and public health. His posts often reflect a critical perspective on contemporary social norms and policies, engaging with themes of masculinity, family dynamics, and economic commentary. He has a significant following on Twitter, where he discusses complex issues with a blend of humor and analytical thought.

X Score: 88.3/100

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01. Andy Boreham

Andy Boreham is a New Zealand video journalist and content creator based in Shanghai, China. He specializes in debunking Western media narratives about China through his series 'Reports on China,' which features geopolitical commentary, analysis of Western media reports, and in-depth explorations of contemporary Chinese society. Andy holds a master's degree in Chinese Language and Culture from Fudan University and frequently incorporates Mandarin into his content. His work spans platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Twitter, where he engages with a global audience interested in understanding China from a critical and open-minded perspective.

X Score: 88.7/100

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