Opportunity party could hold balance of power in NZ election
Six weeks before the election, Opportunity party's 6% support could determine whether the right or left bloc wins power.
The latest 1News Verian poll, conducted September 23 to 27, shows New Zealand's major parties losing ground to minor parties. The Greens recorded a poll record, and the combined right-wing bloc holds a three-point lead over the combined left.
Opportunity party sits at 6%, above the 5% threshold needed to enter parliament. If this holds, the party becomes the swing voter that decides which bloc wins power.
But if Opportunity drops below 5% and wins no electorate seat, the right wins an automatic majority. Te Pāti Māori polls at only 1 to 2%, yet could still enter parliament.
Any party that wins an electorate seat bypasses the 5% threshold, so Te Pāti Māori would return if it wins at least one of the seven Māori electorates.
- September 23-27
- Poll date
- 1,004 voters
- Poll sample
- 6%
- Opportunity support
- required for list entry
- 5% threshold
Why it mattersThese final weeks are crucial. Small shifts in minor-party support determine whether left or right forms the next government.
AustraliaNo direct change for Australians immediately, but a shift in New Zealand's government could alter trans-Tasman trade and security arrangements.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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