New Zealand election still on a knife edge with more than 90 per cent of votes counted
News Source
β’Sat, 7 Nov 2026 07:18:01 +0000
π° What Happened
Voting in New Zealand's election closed at 7pm local time on Saturday. More than 90 per cent of votes were counted late into the night, and neither main party had a majority. National sat at 29.34 per cent and Labour at 29.13 per cent.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is seeking a second term with his coalition partners ACT and NZ First. Together they were projected to hold about 66 seats. Labour leader Chris Hipkins promised help with living costs.
The result may depend on small parties. The centrist Opportunity Party was near 6 per cent, above the threshold to enter parliament, and could hold the balance of power.
π The Backstory
The campaign was dominated by the cost of living. Prices for basic goods stay high, and unemployment is the highest in more than a decade. The war in the Middle East and higher fuel costs have hit New Zealand's trade-dependent economy.
Luxon's coalition has had a rough three years. His own party tried twice to replace him as leader. Labour, once led by Jacinda Ardern, hopes voters now want a change of direction.
π― Why It Matters
New Zealand is a close neighbour and a major trading partner. Who governs there affects jobs, travel and prices for Australians too.
Voting in New Zealand's election closed at 7pm local time on Saturday. More than 90 per cent of votes were counted late into the night, and neither main party had a majority. National sat at 29.34 per cent and Labour at 29.13 per cent.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is seeking a second term with his coalition partners ACT and NZ First. Together they were projected to hold about 66 seats. Labour leader Chris Hipkins promised help with living costs.
The result may depend on small parties. The centrist Opportunity Party was near 6 per cent, above the threshold to enter parliament, and could hold the balance of power.
The campaign was dominated by the cost of living. Prices for basic goods stay high, and unemployment is the highest in more than a decade. The war in the Middle East and higher fuel costs have hit New Zealand's trade-dependent economy.
Luxon's coalition has had a rough three years. His own party tried twice to replace him as leader. Labour, once led by Jacinda Ardern, hopes voters now want a change of direction.
New Zealand is a close neighbour and a major trading partner. Who governs there affects jobs, travel and prices for Australians too.