‘That is not true’: Hosking confronts Luxon over vote-splitting claim
November 2, 2026
Summarised by Centrist
Christopher Luxon faced a series of pointed challenges from Mike Hosking over his warnings that splitting the centre-right vote could help Labour form a government. The exchange raised questions about whether Luxon's opposition to strategic voting is driven by the coalition's electoral prospects or National's own political interests.
"When you said a party vote for ACT or New Zealand First allows Labour to come through the middle, that is not true," Hosking told Luxon.
Luxon argued that the vote-splitting campaign was primarily designed to increase ACT and NZ First's influence in coalition negotiations.
Hosking challenged him again: "But for the record, and you're not helping here, a party vote for ACT or New Zealand First does not allow Labour to come through the middle."
Luxon maintained that Labour receiving the largest party vote could improve its opportunity to form a government.
Pressed on whether he feared National falling below its coalition partners, Luxon denied that was his concern, but acknowledged another priority.
"I want that coalition to be dominated with the National Party," he said.
Hosking persisted: "But you're confusing people by suggesting that a party vote for ACT or New Zealand First can bring Labour through the middle. It can do no such thing."
"Do you accept that or not?" he demanded.
Luxon shifted to the importance of coalition relationships and political chemistry.
"Yeah, but you weren't saying that," Hosking replied.
Under MMP, party votes for National, ACT and NZ First can contribute to a centre-right parliamentary majority, provided the parties qualify for seats and agree to govern together. Electorate victories and overhang provisions can also affect the final seat allocation.
Luxon's preference for a larger National parliamentary presence is distinct from his warning that voting for coalition partners could benefit Labour.
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