The Conversation’s poll-watcher breaks down the party support trend since March – which has all been surging one way, despite some variation between pollsters.
Richard Shaw, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University
The landscape on the right of New Zealand politics is changing. If Christopher Luxon leads National to victory, his first test will be dealing with several potentially difficult coalition partners.
Susan St John, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
Both major parties are promising to increase payments for families ‘in work’. But the changes will only entrench the problems already faced by beneficiaries and the working poor.
Jonathan Barrett, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington et Lisa Marriott, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
The National Party’s tax package may be a middle-income vote winner, but it avoids the core problem of tax-free wealth. And how much the new system would cost to operate is far from clear.
Both major parties are promising major road projects this election. Meanwhile, the potential for passenger and freight rail to help meet the country’s climate goals seems stuck at the station.
Grant Duncan, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University
A referendum on changing New Zealand’s parliamentary term to four years would be the third such exercise in under 60 years. Why would the outcome be any different this time?
Richard Shaw, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University
Concern over bilingual road signs in New Zealand is as much political as it is about safety – but the international evidence suggests there’s little to worry about.
Jennifer Curtin, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
Jacinda Ardern is officially no longer an MP. But her novel leadership style probably saved the Labour Party from much longer in the political wilderness.
Grant Duncan, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University
As she prepares to deliver of her valedictory statement to parliament, Jacinda Ardern will be remembered as an outstanding prime minister – though perhaps not for reasons of her own choosing.
The National Party’s new curriculum policy proposes reforms, when there are already several underway. What schools and teachers really need is more funding and less change.
Grant Duncan, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University
Recent political polls in New Zealand and elsewhere have consistently failed to reflect eventual outcomes. Voters and pundits alike should avoid reading them too literally.
Grant Duncan, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University
The 2023 general election is already shaping up as an MMP classic. Add the All Blacks’ World Cup fortunes to the mix and the only thing to expect is the unexpected.
Richard Shaw, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University
As the government approaches the mid-term mark, is the protest in parliament grounds a PR boost for Jacinda Ardern or a sign of declining political consensus?
The National Party’s internal tensions have played out in a succession of leadership changes. Would the political right be better off formally divided, as it once was?
Richard Shaw, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University
Once a broad political church, the National Party has become a house divided against itself. New leader Christopher Luxon faces huge challenges uniting both the party and its wider congregation.
Suze Wilson, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University
New Zealand’s National MPs are set to elect their fifth leader in just four years to take on Jacinda Ardern’s government. What “habits of the unsuccessful” should they avoid in their next leader?
Richard Shaw, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University
Representative democracies require functional governments but they also need strong oppositions. At the moment, New Zealand has one of these things but not the other.