Qiulae Wong performs strongly in second minor parties debate

Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong delivered a strong performance during the TVNZ Multi-Party Debate on Tuesday night. Wong, whose party has surged to 8 per cent in recent polling, engaged in intense exchanges with several other leaders.

The debate featured significant conflict between Wong and New Zealand First leader Winston Peters. Wong described Peters' rhetoric regarding diversity as 'really dangerous' and refused to support a government with him as Foreign Minister, citing his previous remarks about Lawrence Xu-Nan as 'clearly racist'. Peters dismissed Wong's experience, stating she had been in Parliament for only 'five minutes'.

Wong also addressed her party's policy of a land tax to fund a universal basic income. She defended the proposal by stating that while she might lose equity in her own home due to potential house price reductions, she does not want her children to be locked out of the housing market.

Other participants included ACT leader David Seymour, who was noted for his calm demeanour, and Green Party leader Chlöe Swarbrick. Swarbrick argued that the Green Party seeks to change the government, while Wong suggested the Greens could have prevented 'egregious' government actions if they had been willing to negotiate.

Where reports differ

• One report describes Wong's name as 'Quilae' while others use 'Qiulae'

Compiled from reports by Stuff, RNZ and Newsroom.