Kingmakers' debate 2026

The story so far

Winston Peters was announced as one of five party leaders who would take part in The Press Kingmakers' Debate on 1 October, a livestreamed event in the 2026 election campaign.^{24 Sep} The other leaders came from the Greens, ACT, Opportunity and Te Pāti Māori.^{24 Sep} The debate was described as the first major one of the 2026 election season, and it featured Peters, David Seymour, Chlöe Swarbrick, Rawiri Waititi and Qiulae Wong.^{1 Oct} A panel ruled that Peters, the NZ First leader, won the debate.^{1 Oct} The panel said it saw both strengths and weaknesses in the leaders' presentations.^{1 Oct}

Latest

After the debate, Peters dismissed National leader Christopher Luxon and Labour leader Chris Hipkins.^{1 Oct} Te Pāti Māori's Rawiri Waititi did not give a post-debate comment.^{1 Oct}

Key moments

1. 24 SepPeters confirmed for The Press Kingmakers' Debate on 1 October with four other leaders.
2. 1 OctFirst major debate of the 2026 election season takes place; Peters named winner.
3. 1 OctPeters dismisses Luxon and Hipkins; Waititi gives no post-debate comment.
4. 1 OctExpert panel weighs leaders' strengths and weaknesses, and picks Peters as winner.

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