US presidential election 2024

The story so far

Ahead of the 2024 US election, New Zealand leaders and commentators debated how the result could affect local interests, including trade, investment and foreign policy. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said New Zealand must build strong ties with whichever candidate won, while Labour leader Chris Hipkins suggested a Kamala Harris presidency would better suit New Zealand's trading interests. Donald Trump declared victory while official results were still awaited, and he was within three Electoral College votes of the White House. He was then expected to win the presidency after reaching the 270 votes needed, with key swing states including Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina and Wisconsin called in his favour. Share market rallies after his win lifted KiwiSaver balances, but former prime minister Sir John Key warned that proposed tariffs on foreign goods could create downsides for the New Zealand economy. Luxon then spoke with Trump, now President-elect, in a warm 10-minute phone call in which they discussed global conflicts, economic challenges and strengthening the New Zealand-US partnership.^{5, 6, 7, 12 Nov 2024}

Latest

Luxon held a warm, 10-minute phone call with President-elect Trump on Tuesday morning, congratulating him and discussing global conflicts, economic challenges and the New Zealand-US partnership.^{12 Nov 2024}

Key moments

1. 5 Nov 2024Luxon stresses ties with whoever wins; Hipkins favours a Harris presidency.
2. 6 Nov 2024Trump claims victory while official results are still awaited.
3. 7 Nov 2024Trump expected to reach 270 votes after key swing states are called.
4. 7 Nov 2024Share rally lifts KiwiSaver balances; Key warns tariffs could hurt NZ.
5. 12 Nov 2024Luxon and President-elect Trump hold a warm 10-minute phone call.

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