Greens hit record 16% in poll while Opportunity remains pivotal kingmaker

In the newest 1News poll, the Greens reached a record 16%, up three points from their previous high, potentially giving them 19 parliamentary seats. Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick said the result is encouraging but stressed that voter sentiment can still shift before the November 7 election. Opportunity, a new centrist party, fell to 6% but its seven MPs keep it in a kingmaker position, with leader Qiulae Wong pitching it as the choice for stable, pragmatic governance.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon brushed off the numbers, insisting the only poll that matters is the upcoming election, while Labour leader Chris Hipkins warned that the contest will be extremely close. Smaller parties including ACT (11%) and NZ First (9%) also improved, highlighting the importance of minor parties in any future coalition.