In brief
Xinhua reported that the Saturday general election in New Zealand is a tight race, with Labour marginally ahead of the ruling National Party. A poll by The Post/Freshwater Strategy yielded 30.7 % for Labour and 26.4 % for National, while an Ipsos survey showed 64 % of voters list cost of living as a top concern. Over 2,300 voting places will open nationwide, and results are expected on November 27.
On Friday, Xinhua announced that the upcoming Saturday general election in Wellington would be a close contest between the ruling National Party and the opposition Labour Party, with Labour barely ahead in the latest poll.
Polling Snapshot
The Post/Freshwater Strategy poll released on Friday put Labour at 30.7 %, National at 26.4 %, ACT at 9.8 %, New Zealand First at 12 %, the Greens at 13 %, the Māori Party at 2 % and the Opportunity Party at 5.1 %. The coalition of National, ACT and New Zealand First was projected to win 59 seats in the 120‑seat parliament, two seats shy of an outright majority, while Labour, the Greens and the Māori Party together were expected to secure 55 seats.
Voter Priorities
An Ipsos survey of 1,008 adults released by Xinhua found that 64 % of respondents named cost of living or inflation among their top three concerns, followed by healthcare at 45 % and fuel prices at 31 %. Concern over fuel costs had risen sharply, moving from seventh to third place in the most recent survey.
Over 2,300 voting places are scheduled to open nationwide on election day, and the mixed‑member proportional system is likely to produce a coalition government. Official results will be declared on November 27.
