Story perspectives

New Zealand First surges to 12% as Labour leads

By Drooid · Oct 8, 2026, 12:12 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Coalition parties extended their lead over the left bloc, aided by New Zealand First.
National fell to 28.5% of the party vote, a 0.5-point drop since September.
Labour rose to 28.2%, gaining 2.3 points and overtaking National in the poll.
New Zealand First surged to 12% support, up 3.6 points, becoming the third-largest party.
Preferred prime-minister poll shows Luxon at 21.2%, Hipkins at 21%, and Peters at 13.9%.

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Story summary

Coalition parties extended their lead over the left bloc, aided by New Zealand First.
National fell to 28.5% of the party vote, a 0.5-point drop since September.
Labour rose to 28.2%, gaining 2.3 points and overtaking National in the poll.
New Zealand First surged to 12% support, up 3.6 points, becoming the third-largest party.
Preferred prime-minister poll shows Luxon at 21.2%, Hipkins at 21%, and Peters at 13.9%.