Neck and neck in the 2026 New Zealand election – podcast
News Source
•Tue, 27 Oct 2026 14:00:35 GMT
📰 What Happened
New Zealand holds a national election on 7 November, and the race is very close. The Guardian's Full Story podcast looks at why the result matters. New Zealand correspondent Eva Corlett speaks with host Matilda Boseley.
The episode focuses on the minor parties, which could hold the balance of power in the next parliament. It also looks at why so many young New Zealanders are moving to Australia in search of better pay and more opportunities.
🔍 The Backstory
New Zealand and Australia share a close job market. New Zealanders can live and work in Australia without a visa, which makes the move easy when work at home is scarce. Wages are generally higher in Australia.
The campaign has been dominated by living costs, housing and a strained health system. Neither major party, National nor Labour, has a clear lead. Small parties such as ACT, the Greens and New Zealand First may end up deciding who governs.
🎯 Why It Matters
New Zealand is often a preview of Australian politics. Its election shows how living costs and falling trust in big parties can reshape a country close to home.
New Zealand holds a national election on 7 November, and the race is very close. The Guardian's Full Story podcast looks at why the result matters. New Zealand correspondent Eva Corlett speaks with host Matilda Boseley.
The episode focuses on the minor parties, which could hold the balance of power in the next parliament. It also looks at why so many young New Zealanders are moving to Australia in search of better pay and more opportunities.
New Zealand and Australia share a close job market. New Zealanders can live and work in Australia without a visa, which makes the move easy when work at home is scarce. Wages are generally higher in Australia.
The campaign has been dominated by living costs, housing and a strained health system. Neither major party, National nor Labour, has a clear lead. Small parties such as ACT, the Greens and New Zealand First may end up deciding who governs.
New Zealand is often a preview of Australian politics. Its election shows how living costs and falling trust in big parties can reshape a country close to home.