Election 2026

The story so far

Labour began its campaign in October 2025 with a 'Future Fund' to invest in New Zealand businesses and infrastructure, but gave no costings, and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon criticised the plan.^{20, 21 Oct 2025} Later that month Labour said it would campaign on a 28% capital gains tax on residential and commercial property, excluding farms and family homes, to fund three free GP visits a year; Finance Minister Nicola Willis called it a "terrible idea".^{28 Oct 2025} Labour leader Chris Hipkins then criticised Luxon's property earnings, and Luxon dismissed the comments as a diversion.^{29, 30 Oct 2025} In the 2026 campaign Labour proposed up to $50 million a year for the Elevate venture capital fund, the Greens proposed scrapping the apprentice training wage, and Luxon and Hipkins held three leaders' debates.^{14, 17, 20 Oct} Polls have had Labour and National both in the late 20s, with the Opportunity Party near the 5 per cent threshold and seen as a possible kingmaker, while Luxon has ruled out a deal with it and ACT leader David Seymour is open to one.^{15, 19, 20 Oct}

Latest

The 1News Verian poll had National up four points to 32% and Labour down to 27%, while another poll put Hipkins 13 points ahead as preferred prime minister.^{20 Oct} Advance voting has begun, with about 300,000 New Zealanders still unenrolled, and 57% of National voters in one poll think Luxon should reconsider ruling out Opportunity.^{22, 25 Oct}

What's next

The general election is on 7 November 2026.^{24, 25 Oct}

Key moments

1. 20 Oct 2025Labour unveils its Future Fund as its first major election policy.
2. 28 Oct 2025Labour says it will campaign on a capital gains tax to fund free GP visits.
3. 15 OctSeymour says he would consider a coalition with Opportunity to block a Labour-led government.
4. 16 OctPoll has Labour on 29 and National on 28, with Opportunity reaching 5 per cent.
5. 20 OctFinal leaders' debate ends, with Stuff readers voting Hipkins the winner.
6. 20 Oct1News Verian poll puts National at 32% and Labour at 27%.
7. 22 OctPoll finds 57% of National voters want Luxon to reconsider ruling out Opportunity.
8. 25 OctAdvance voting begins as about 300,000 people remain unenrolled.

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