New Zealand election race remains deadlocked ahead of vote

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 3 Nov, 18:22 · Archive

New Zealand's November 7 election remains too close to call, with no left or right bloc able to command a majority.

New Zealand's election on 7 November remains in a dead heat, with the latest TVNZ-Verian poll showing National on 29.5 per cent and Labour on 28.8 per cent. Even with their respective support partners—National backed by ACT and NZ First, Labour by Opportunity—neither bloc would command a parliamentary majority.

The centrist Opportunity party has emerged as the likely kingmaker. It polls at 6.2 per cent, just 1.2 per cent above the five per cent threshold needed to enter parliament. Party leader Qiulae Wong has pledged to negotiate with the party that wins the most seats, though analysts see the party as closer to Labour. Prime Minister Chris Luxon has ruled out partnering with Opportunity, while Labour leader Chris Hipkins says Labour shares more policy alignment with them than National.

Former Labour prime minister Helen Clark issued a video aimed at undecided voters, saying 'things aren't working in New Zealand right now' and that National should be punished for economic mismanagement. Her successor, former National prime minister John Key, has also campaigned for his party, particularly in tight-run seats. ACT and NZ First are running a split-vote campaign designed to boost the right bloc's overall seat count, though potentially at National's expense.

How it is being reported

• New Zealand polls still deadlocked, days from electionIt's anyone's guess who will govern in New Zealand after the November 7 election, with the left and right blocs both short of a majority in almost a dead heat.Perth Now · 3 Nov, 18:03
• New Zealand polls still deadlocked, days from electionIt's anyone's guess who will govern in New Zealand after the November 7 election, with the left and right blocs both short of a majority in almost a dead heat.The West Australian · 3 Nov, 18:03

In this story: National Party · Labour Party · Opportunity Party · ACT Party · NZ First · Chris Luxon · Chris Hipkins · Qiulae Wong

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