Rawiri Waititi leads in Waiariki electorate according to new poll

Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi holds a significant lead in the Waiariki electorate according to a new poll. Waititi received 42% of the candidate vote, while Tania Waikato of the Green Party received 16%, Toni Boynton of Labour received 14%, and Pāpā Wharewera of the Opportunity Party received 3%. If undecided voters are excluded, Waititi's support rises to 52%.

The party vote shows a much tighter contest, with Labour leading at 24%, followed by Te Pāti Māori at 23%. The Green Party received 21% in one report and 22% in another. The Opportunity Party received 0% for the party vote.

Cost of living was identified as the most important issue for 32% of voters. This was followed by healthcare at 11% and housing at 9%. Regarding the Treaty of Waitangi, almost two-thirds of respondents said Māori and the Crown should define the principles in New Zealand law.

The poll was conducted by Curia Research for Whakaata Māori between 21 September and 1 October. It surveyed 500 registered voters in the Waiariki electorate using phone calls and an online panel. The margin of error is +/- 4.5% at a 95% confidence level.

Where reports differ

• The Green Party's party vote was reported as 21% in one source and 22% in another

Compiled from reports by NZ Herald and RNZ.