NZ First remains stronger than in 2023 and still potential kingmaker

Summarised by Centrist

NZ First’s polling support remains above its 2023 election result, and the party could again prove essential to forming a centre-right government, according to figures and coalition analysis reported by Reuters.

The news agency nevertheless frames Winston Peters’ campaign as evidence that overseas-style “culture-war” politics are struggling to gain traction in New Zealand.

NZ First won 6.1% in 2023, reached 13.6% in an April poll and now sits at 9–10.6% in recent surveys cited in the report. Those figures show support below its polling peak, while remaining above its last election result.

Tight polling means National will need NZ First and ACT for a chance to govern again. Peters has ruled out a coalition with Labour, although Opportunity’s emergence creates another potential kingmaker.

“We are expressing how they think. That's why they're turning up,” Peters told Reuters.

Analysts quoted in the article argue that New Zealand’s secular population and attitudes towards immigration limit the appeal of Peters’ cultural agenda.

However, NZ First also campaigns on living costs, infrastructure and an interventionist economic programme. The report provides no issue-specific polling establishing whether its cultural positions are attracting voters or holding the party back.

Read more at Reuters 

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