Political leaders react to Kingmakers debate
Thursday 1 October 2026 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated In this story Winston Peters
Minor party leaders shared their views following the Stuff Kingmakers debate. NZ First leader Winston Peters dismissed Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins, while Te Pāti Māori's Rawiri Waititi did not provide a post-debate comment.
Key facts
7 facts
- The debate included David Seymour, Chlöe Swarbrick, Winston Peters, Qiulae Wong, and Rawiri Waititi
- Winston Peters proposed a $120 weekly increase to Working for Families payments
- Qiulae Wong received 35% support on the audience vibe tracker
- Chlöe Swarbrick received 29% support on the audience vibe tracker
- David Seymour received 23% support on the audience vibe tracker
- Winston Peters received 9% support on the audience vibe tracker
- Rawiri Waititi received 4% support on the audience vibe tracker
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Political leaders have shared their views following a debate involving potential kingmaker parties. The debate included David Seymour, Chlöe Swarbrick, Winston Peters, Qiulae Wong, and Rawiri Waititi.
Winston Peters stated that Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins are "not in the same league" compared to previous prime ministers he has worked with. Peters also announced an intention to increase Working for Families benefit payments by $120 per week.
David Seymour defended his policy to freeze the minimum wage but noted it would not be a bottom line. He also stated that he trusts Peters, though Peters did not return the sentiment.
Chlöe Swarbrick noted business policy overlap with Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong. Wong remarked that she expected more bickering during the event.
Where reports differ
- Winston Peters' comments regarding the competence of current prime ministers were described as ruffling feathers in one report and as a dismissal in another
Compiled from reports by Stuff and 1News.
