Winston Peters named winner of Kingmakers' debate
Thursday 1 October 2026 · 3 outlets · 7 reports · updated In this story Winston Peters, ACT Party, David Seymour, NZ First, Te Pāti Māori, Green Party
Political leaders from several minor parties participated in the first major debate of the 2026 election season on Thursday night. A panel of panellists ruled that Winston Peters of New Zealand First won the event. Other participants included David Seymour, Chlöe Swarbrick, Rawiri Waititi, and Qiulae Wong.
Key facts
4 facts
- The general election is scheduled for 7 November 2026.
- The debate featured leaders from the Greens, ACT, New Zealand First, Opportunity, and Te Pāti Māori.
- The debate was hosted by Andrea Vance and Jenna Lynch.
- Debate topics included AI, superannuation, healthcare, and the cost of living.
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
A political panel has ruled that Winston Peters won the Kingmakers' debate. The debate featured leaders from minor parties ahead of the 7 November general election.
The event was hosted by Andrea Vance and Jenna Lynch. Participants included David Seymour, Winston Peters, Chlöe Swarbrick, Rawiri Waititi, and Qiulae Wong.
Debate topics included healthcare, the cost of living, superannuation, jobs, and AI. Leaders also discussed MP salaries, tax systems, and emergency department waiting targets.
On AI, Winston Peters stated, "you can't stop the future but must put guard rails in place". Regarding the economy, Peters said, "is our answer, always has been and always will be".
How it developed
- Thu 1 Oct, 9:14pmA political panel ruled that Winston Peters won the debate.
Where reports differ
- One report spells the Opportunity leader's name as Qiulae Wong, while another spells it Quilae Wong.
Compiled from reports by Stuff and The Press.
How they headlined it
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Stuff
Game on! Political leaders to go head to head Kingmakers’ Debate (opens in new tab)
- Who’s gearing up for Stuff’s Kingmakers' Debate? (opens in new tab)
- Highlights from the Stuff Kingmakers' Debate (opens in new tab)
- Missed it? Watch Stuff’s Kingmakers’ Debate in full (opens in new tab)
- Winston Peters, ruthlessly on brand, and ruthless - a winning combo - in Kingmakers’ Debate (opens in new tab)
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The Press
Kingmakers’ Debate: Winston Peters won debate, political panel says (opens in new tab)
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The Post
The Press Kingmakers’ debate: Kingmakers set a standard for the would-be kings (opens in new tab)
