New Zealand election: centrist newcomer could hold balance of power
As voters go to the polls, the centre-right National Party and centre-left Labour are neck-and-neck, with the Opportunity party led by Qiulae Wong potentially a kingmaker.
New Zealanders vote on Saturday in an election dominated by the cost of living, global uncertainty, and a young party leader vying to become a new 'kingmaker'. Polling shows a slender margin between Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's ruling National Party and Chris Hipkins' Labour Party, with neither likely to win a majority. Opportunity, led by first-time politician Qiulae Wong, looks set to clear the 5 per cent threshold and could hold the balance of power.