2026 election leaders' debates

The story so far

In early October 2026, Christopher Luxon said he was looking forward to a leaders' debate, while Chris Hipkins said he was the prime minister-in-waiting.^{5 Oct} Stuff announced that its leaders' debate between Luxon and Hipkins would be held on October 20.^{9 Oct} The debate was the third and final head-to-head between the two leaders, and Stuff hosted it.^{20 Oct} It was described as pugilistic and heavy on blame, with neither leader offering significant new solutions.^{20 Oct}

Latest

Stuff published the full final debate online, along with experts' assessments of how it went.^{20 Oct} Columnist Steve Braunias wrote a piece on the debate, with observations about the moderator, Paddy Gower, and the two leaders.^{24 Oct}

Key moments

1. 5 OctLuxon says he looks forward to the debate; Hipkins calls himself PM-in-waiting.
2. 9 OctStuff sets its Luxon v Hipkins leaders' debate for October 20.
3. 20 OctThird and final head-to-head debate is called pugilistic, with few new solutions.
4. 20 OctFull debate made available online, with experts assessing the outcome.
5. 24 OctColumnist Steve Braunias comments on the debate, its moderator and the leaders.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.