Politics
CROSS-SPECTRUMBROAD COVERAGE
New poll narrows National's lead as Luxon and Hipkins prepare for televised debate
A fresh RNZ poll shows the National Party slipping, and the first leaders' debate between Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins is set for Tuesday evening.
The latest RNZ poll, released just before the campaign launch, indicates a tighter race for National, whose campaign chair Simeon Brown described the contest as close. On Tuesday night, Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins will meet on TVNZ for the inaugural leaders' debate, where they will discuss top voter concerns. The poll results and debate are shaping the final stretch of the 2026 election campaign.
Why it matters
The poll and debate could shift voter sentiment in New Zealand's tightly contested 2026 election.
In this story
pollelection 2026leaders debateChristopher LuxonChris HipkinsSimeon BrownTVNZRNZ
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