Luxon and Hipkins face off in final leaders' debate

National leader Christopher Luxon and Labour leader Chris Hipkins faced off in their final major debate on Tuesday night. Hosted by Stuff and The Post, the debate featured moderators Paddy Gower and Luke Malpass.

The leaders clashed over the state of the healthcare system, with Hipkins accusing Luxon of being in denial about the crisis. Luxon described the system as incredibly challenging but noted that the government has made significant improvements through record investment.

Discussions also covered law and order, specifically regarding reports of Green Party and Te Pāti Māori MPs meeting with Mongrel Mob members. Luxon criticised Labour's stance on crime, while Hipkins addressed previous Labour government funding for a gang-led programme, stating that giving money to gangs was wrong.

The debate occurred as polling showed a tight race between the two major parties. One poll placed Labour at 28.7% and National at 27.6%, while a 1News poll showed National at 32% and Labour at 27%.

How it developed

• Tue 20 Oct, 10:30pmAnalysis noted that Hipkins defended previous Labour pandemic economic measures and that the 1News poll showed National rising to 32% while Labour fell to 27%.

Where reports differ

• Polling results varied between reports, with one showing Labour slightly ahead of National and another showing National with a 5-point lead

Compiled from reports by The Press, RNZ, Stuff, The Post, NZ Herald and Newsroom.