Full Breakdown
Public Sentiment on Christopher Luxon’s Continued Leadership
8/25/2026, 1:09:44 AM
Poll Results Reveal Sharp Partisan Divide
A Reid Research poll of 1,000 New Zealanders found that 78 % of National Party supporters back keeping Christopher Luxon as leader, while only 11.5 % oppose the decision. Among ACT voters, 54.2 % support the move and 28.7 % object. By contrast, 64.6 % of Labour supporters and 69.8 % of Green supporters say National “got it wrong.” New Zealand First voters are split, with 52.4 % criticizing the decision and 31.6 % backing it.
Methodology and Timing
The online survey was conducted between August 14 and later in August 2026, using quota sampling and weighting to reflect age, gender and geography. The poll carries a margin of error of ±3.1 % at the 95 % confidence level.
Preferred Alternatives to Luxon
When asked who should replace Luxon if he were to step down, respondents favored Erica Stanford at 16.6 %, narrowly ahead of Chris Bishop at 15.2 %. Nicola Willis received 9 % and Chris Penk 7.6 %. However, 39.6 % selected “none of the above,” and 13.3 % said they did not know.
Political Implications
Following a failed leadership challenge, Luxon dismissed Chris Penk from Cabinet, attributing the revolt to Penk acting alone, though insiders linked Stanford to the plot. Stanford has denied involvement, while Bishop and Willis publicly reaffirmed loyalty to Luxon before and after the caucus meeting. The poll’s mixed signals—strong backing from National’s base but widespread opposition among other parties—suggest the leadership decision could influence the party’s cohesion ahead of upcoming electoral contests.
