Luxon and Hipkins face off in second leaders' debate

National leader Christopher Luxon and Labour leader Chris Hipkins participated in their second televised leaders' debate on Wednesday evening. The debate was hosted by the Herald and moderated by Ryan Bridge.

During the exchange, Luxon warned that a Labour victory would lead to a Capital Gains Tax, stating, "Mark my words, you are going to pay New Zealand. You are going to pay". Hipkins responded by calling the statement a lie and accusing Luxon of spending significant funds to spread falsehoods about Labour.

Luxon faced scrutiny regarding his claims about the minimum wage and a proposal to restructure supermarkets. He also maintained that he would not seek support from the Opportunity Party, despite polling suggesting National would need them to form a government.

Hipkins focused on the economy and unemployment, noting that 48,000 more people are unemployed now than when Luxon became Prime Minister. He also ruled out giving law and order portfolios to Green or Te Pāti Māori MPs following recent photographs involving gang members.

How it developed

• Thu 15 Oct, 4:14pmIndustry advocates described the debate performance as "pretty beige" and noted that Luxon appeared more aspirational regarding economic policy.

Where reports differ

• Reports differ on the host and platform of the debate, with one mentioning TVNZ and RNZ and others identifying the Herald, Three, and ThreeNow.

Compiled from reports by RNZ, 1News, Stuff, NZ Herald, Newsroom, The Post and Otago Daily Times.