Opportunity leader doubts Luxon's refusal to form coalition

Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong says she does not believe National leader Christopher Luxon when he claims he has ruled out forming a coalition with her party. Wong believes Luxon would rather be in government than in opposition and will likely contact her if she becomes kingmaker.

Luxon has maintained he will not work with Opportunity because of its land tax and universal basic income policies. During a recent leaders' debate, Luxon stated, "I have been crystal clear of who we could or couldn't work with". He reiterated that he is a party focused on no new taxes.

Wong noted that while the party would still push for its land tax and citizen's income, these were not included in the five bottom line policies the party would demand in negotiations. These bottom lines include a ban on bottom trawling and a ten-year health plan. Wong suggested that abandoning tax reform in a potential National-led coalition would be "worth considering" if other significant policy wins were achieved.

Recent polling shows varying results for Opportunity's position. A Taxpayers' Union-Curia poll placed the party at 4.8%, which is below the 5% threshold required to enter Parliament. However, the 1News Verian and RNZ Reid Research polls placed the party in a kingmaker position.

Where reports differ

• Reports differ on whether the party is in a kingmaker position, with some polls placing them below the 5% threshold and others placing them in a position to decide the government

Compiled from reports by NZ Herald, Otago Daily Times, Stuff and RNZ.