Labour ahead in final New Zealand poll before November election

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 29 Oct, 01:15 · Archive

A final poll shows Labour six points ahead of National, with centrist party Opportunity poised to hold the balance of power.

A final Radio NZ-Reid Research poll before New Zealand's 7 November election shows Labour six points ahead of National. Labour is on 30.6 per cent while National scores 24.8 per cent, which would be the centre-right party's second worst result in 90 years. A four-poll average shows National on 27.5 per cent. Should the Radio NZ figures materialise, senior figures including Finance Minister Nicola Willis, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop, Defence Minister Paul Goldsmith and Speaker Gerry Brownlee are likely to lose their seats.

The election outcome may hinge on centrist party Opportunity, which scores 7.2 per cent and clear of the five per cent threshold for representation. The party, led by Qiulae Wong, has risen consistently since July and could hold the balance of power. Opportunity has said it can work with either side, but both National and NZ First have ruled out forming a government with them. If they maintain that stance, a left-wing government would result.

National has dismissed the poll as 'really out of whack'. However, other recent polls from TVNZ, The Post and the Taxpayers Union show different trajectories, indicating the election remains exceptionally close. In the Radio NZ poll, the Greens scored 14.8 per cent, ACT 10.1 per cent, NZ First 9.9 per cent and the Maori Party 1.9 per cent.

How it is being reported

• At odds polling shows tightness of New Zealand electionA fresh poll shows Labour six points clear of National in the New Zealand election contest, but with a new teal party holding the balance of power.Perth Now · 29 Oct, 00:43
• At odds polling shows tightness of New Zealand electionA fresh poll shows Labour six points clear of National in the New Zealand election contest, but with a new teal party holding the balance of power.The West Australian · 29 Oct, 00:43

In this story: Labour · National · Opportunity · Nicola Willis · Chris Bishop · Paul Goldsmith · Gerry Brownlee · New Zealand

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log