Chris Hipkins dismisses latest poll showing Labour support in mid-20s

Labour leader Chris Hipkins has dismissed the latest Taxpayers Union-Curia poll after his party's support fell to 25.9 percent. The result represents a 1.9 point decrease for Labour. Hipkins stated that the only poll that matters is the one that occurs on election day.

The poll shows the National Party has fallen to 29 percent. If these results were replicated at the election, the government bloc would retain power with 64 seats compared to 56 for the opposition. This result follows a period where Labour's previous poll was described by Hipkins as an outlier.

The Green Party saw an increase of 3.8 points to reach 13.9 percent. This would result in a record 18 seats for the party, though it would not be enough to change the government. Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick noted that the polls and commentary seem to change every other week.

Opportunity has dropped from 6.1 percent to 4.5 percent, falling below the 5 percent threshold required for Parliament. Leader Qiulae Wong said the party is focusing on its positive long-term trend. Wong suggested that ACT and the Greens could benefit from Opportunity's result.

Where reports differ

• One report describes the Labour result as 'dreadful' while the other focuses on Hipkins' dismissal of the figures

Compiled from reports by Otago Daily Times and NZ Herald.