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Labour and National both under 30% in new poll
NZ🏛️ PoliticsLean Progressive9/8/2026

Labour and National both under 30% in new poll

A new Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll released in 2026 indicates that both the Labour Party and the National Party are polling below 30%, marking a significant decline for both. Labour dropped to 25.9%, its lowest in this poll since July 2024, while National fell to 29%, well below its 38% result in the previous election. The small party Opportunity, led by Qiulae Wong, also fell below the 5% threshold required to enter parliament, dropping from 6.1% to 4.5%. This leaves the current coalition government, comprising National, ACT, and New Zealand First, as the likely winner, with 64 projected seats compared to 56 for the opposition. The Greens and ACT saw gains, while smaller parties like Te Pāti Māori and New Zealand First had mixed results. The poll suggests that Christopher Luxon remains more popular than Chris Hipkins as preferred prime minister.

Labour and National both recorded less than 30% in a recent poll commissioned by the Taxpayers’ Union, marking a significant shift in New Zealand’s political landscape. According to the Taxpakers’ Union-Curia Poll, Labour dropped to 25.9%, its lowest score in this series since July 2024, while National fell to 29%, significantly below its 38% performance in the previous election. The poll also showed Opportunity slipping below the 5% threshold required to enter parliament, leaving the current coalition government, comprising National, ACT, and New Zealand First, as the likely victors. The survey revealed that smaller parties such as the Greens and ACT benefited from the decline of the major parties. The Greens rose to 13.9%, while ACT increased to 10.5%. New Zealand First saw a slight decrease to 8.4%, and Te Pāti Māori gained 0.5 percentage points to 2%. Other minor parties including NZ Loyal, Animal Justice, Women’s Rights, Vision NZ, and the New Conservatives also received minimal support. According to the poll, the coalition would secure 64 seats compared to the opposition’s 56. This projection assumes Te Pāti Māori would win three seats, despite their low overall support. Opportunity, remaining below the 5% threshold, would not gain representation in Parliament. Christopher Luxon retained the lead as preferred prime minister with 21.2%, slightly down from earlier figures, while Chris Hipkins fell to 16.9%. The poll was conducted by Curia Market Research through phone and online interviews with 1,000 adults between September 1 and September 3, 2026. The maximum margin of error is +/- 3.1%, with 4.1% undecided on the party vote question. Labour faces mounting pressure following the poll, with questions arising about its ability to respond effectively to National’s initiatives. Sam Stubbs, founder of Simplicity, a non-profit KiwiSaver provider, expressed surprise that Labour had not yet responded to National’s proposals regarding KiwiSaver. He called for a bold response from Labour, suggesting policies such as banning total compensation packages that include KiwiSaver contributions and increasing contribution rates. Stubbs emphasized the importance of balancing tax rates and economic growth, advocating for a combination of maintaining low taxes and implementing necessary reforms to ensure the sustainability of public services. He supported the introduction of a capital gains tax to address wealth inequality and promote economic empowerment among younger generations. Labour appears to be adopting a cautious approach amid the challenging political climate, with internal discussions reportedly underway about potential responses to the current situation. As the election approaches, the focus will remain on how each party navigates these developments and positions itself for voter support.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 3 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

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7 reports

The Spinoff logoThe SpinoffIndependentProgressiveFactual 97Objective 958/31/2026
The man who made the election electric

The article discusses the growing political support for expanding rooftop solar installations in New Zealand, driven by efforts from the nonprofit Rewiring Aotearoa and its CEO Mike Casey. Political parties including the Greens, Labour, National, and Act have introduced policies aimed at making solar panel installation more affordable through subsidies, loans, or regulatory reforms. Casey attributes this shift to the strong environmental and economic arguments for electrification, as well as rising costs of fossil fuels due to global conflicts. While solar offers long-term benefits, challenges remain, such as meeting high electricity demand during winter nights when solar generation is limited. Casey emphasizes the need for 'New-Zealand-made' energy solutions and highlights the importance of addressing upfront costs for homeowners.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the push for solar energy as a progressive, environmentally focused initiative aligned with left-leaning values. It highlights the role of nonpartisan organizations like Rewiring Aotearoa and emphasizes the economic and ecological benefits of electrification, which aligns with the

Why factuality (97): The article accurately portrays Mike Casey's role in promoting solar energy and includes direct quotes from him. It correctly references Rewiring Aotearoa, the Ratepayer Assistance Scheme, and the political landscape surrounding renewable energy. All claims are supported by context and attributed pr

Why objectivity (95): The piece maintains a neutral tone, presenting Casey's perspective without editorializing. It avoids taking sides in the debate over solar policy while clearly attributing statements to Casey. The language is professional and balanced.

The Spinoff logoThe SpinoffIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 709/8/2026
Can Labour up the ante after getting outflanked by National on KiwiSaver?

Sam Stubbs, founder of Simplicity, a non-profit KiwiSaver provider, comments on National Party leader Christopher Luxon's recent pledge to automatically enroll newborns in KiwiSaver with government contributions. This policy shift has positioned National ahead of Labour in the election race, prompting Stubbs to suggest Labour needs a stronger response. He advocates for banning 'total compensation' packages that include KiwiSaver in overall pay, increasing contribution rates, and providing weekly top-ups to children's accounts to boost their financial security. Stubbs also discusses the broader debate over taxation and economic growth, suggesting a balanced approach between maintaining low taxes and funding essential services.

Bias read (Center): While the article focuses on political competition between Labour and National regarding KiwiSaver policy, it presents multiple perspectives without overtly favoring one side. Stubbs critiques National's policy while offering constructive suggestions for Labour, and the discussion remains balanced,撮

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports on the KiwiSaver policy shift by National and quotes Sam Stubbs from The Spinoff's podcast. It aligns with the primary source document, which mentions Stubbs' comments on National 'ankle-tapping' Labour. However, it does not provide direct quotes from the primary sourc

Why objectivity (70): The tone leans towards critical commentary on Labour's performance, suggesting they are 'watch-and-wait' after a 'dreadful poll.' This implies a negative bias toward Labour, though it remains within the bounds of reporting based on available data. The language used ('dreadful poll') is somewhat emot

NZ Herald logoNZ HeraldIndependentProgressiveFactual 75Objective 809/1/2026
Election 2026: Willie Jackson says Labour faces danger of being too conservative with spending

Willie Jackson, a senior Labour Party figure in New Zealand, has expressed concerns during the 2026 election campaign that the party risks appearing too conservative in its approach to public spending. This comment comes amid broader discussions about economic policy and the balance between fiscal responsibility and social investment. Jackson’s remarks highlight internal debates within Labour regarding the party's positioning ahead of the election. The statement reflects ongoing tensions within the party about how to frame its policies to appeal to voters while maintaining financial prudence.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames Willie Jackson's concern about Labour being 'too conservative' as a potential risk, which suggests a critique of centrist or moderate positions. By highlighting this internal debate, the article subtly implies that more progressive spending could align better with Labour's values,

Why factuality (75): The article reports a statement from Willie Jackson regarding Labour's potential conservatism on spending, which aligns with cross-source consensus that Labour has been criticized for fiscal restraint. No primary source is available, but the claim is consistent with public statements by political fi

Why objectivity (80): The article presents the statement neutrally, quoting Willie Jackson directly without apparent bias. It focuses on reporting the claim rather than taking sides, maintaining a balanced tone.

Stuff logoStuffIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 808/31/2026
ANALYSIS: Labour and National taking turns kicking an expensive can down a potholed road

The article analyzes the political dynamics between New Zealand's Labour Party and the National Party, suggesting that both parties are alternately avoiding difficult decisions on costly issues. The piece implies that this pattern of deferral has led to ongoing challenges, potentially affecting governance and policy implementation.

Bias read (Center): The headline uses metaphorical language ('kicking a can down a potholed road') but does not explicitly favor one party over another. It suggests criticism of both major parties' handling of expenses without clear partisan alignment. No explicit bias or loaded language is present.

Why factuality (75): The article provides a general analysis of political dynamics between Labour and National without specific claims that can be verified against a primary source. It suggests a pattern of avoidance on costly issues but does not make definitive factual assertions beyond interpretation of political beha

Why objectivity (80): The article uses metaphorical language like 'kicking an expensive can down a potholed road,' which is somewhat subjective but not overly biased. It presents a critical view of both parties without overtly favoring one over the other, maintaining a relatively balanced tone.

The Spinoff logoThe SpinoffIndependentCenterFactual 60Objective 659/6/2026
Labour and National both under 30% in new poll

A new Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll released in 2026 indicates that both the Labour Party and the National Party are polling below 30%, marking a significant decline for both. Labour dropped to 25.9%, its lowest in this poll since July 2024, while National fell to 29%, well below its 38% result in the previous election. The small party Opportunity, led by Qiulae Wong, also fell below the 5% threshold required to enter parliament, dropping from 6.1% to 4.5%. This leaves the current coalition government, comprising National, ACT, and New Zealand First, as the likely winner, with 64 projected seats compared to 56 for the opposition. The Greens and ACT saw gains, while smaller parties like Te Pāti Māori and New Zealand First had mixed results. The poll suggests that Christopher Luxon remains more popular than Chris Hipkins as preferred prime minister.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual polling data without overtly favoring any political side. It reports the results objectively, noting declines for major parties and shifts in support for smaller parties. There is no evident framing that leans toward one ideological perspective over another, and the tone

Why factuality (60): The article contains several inaccuracies compared to the primary source. It incorrectly states that Opportunity is 'below the 5% threshold' when the primary source clearly states they are at 6.1% and would enter parliament. It also falsely reports Labour at 25.9% and National at 29%, whereas the pr

Why objectivity (65): The article uses emotionally charged language such as 'upstarts', 'bucking the trend', and 'thrashing' which introduces bias. It frames the situation as a 'collapse' of major parties and Opportunity, suggesting a negative outcome for Labour and National without balanced perspective. This framing lea

NZ Herald logoNZ HeraldIndependentProgressiveFactual 60Objective 459/1/2026
'Completely wrong': Labour MP's gaffe on live radio, attack on National

A Labour MP made a controversial statement during a live radio broadcast, calling a policy position 'completely wrong,' which was interpreted as an attack on the National Party. The remark sparked immediate backlash and debate over the appropriateness of such comments during public discourse. The incident highlights tensions between political parties and the role of media in amplifying such moments. The Labour MP later defended the comment, stating it was meant to highlight perceived flaws in National's policies rather than engage in personal attacks.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the Labour MP's remarks as a critique of National's policies, emphasizing the ideological divide between the two parties. While the MP's comment was criticized as a gaffe, the narrative leans toward defending the intent behind the statement as a legitimate political critique, thus

Why factuality (60): The headline suggests a direct confrontation between a Labour MP and National, but the content is minimal and lacks detailed information or sourcing. Without further details or context, it is hard to verify the accuracy of the claim that the MP made a 'gaffe' or that it was 'completely wrong.' This

Why objectivity (45): The title is highly charged and emotionally loaded, using phrases like 'completely wrong' and 'attack on National,' which suggest a clear bias toward National and against Labour. The article appears to take sides rather than present a neutral account of the incident.

NZ Herald logoNZ HeraldIndependentConservativeFactual: no official source document/info detectedObjective 659/7/2026
Should they roll the other Chris? Labour's watch-and-wait after dreadful poll

The article discusses the New Zealand Labour Party's cautious approach following a poor poll result, suggesting internal uncertainty about their strategy. It references the potential impact of a high-profile figure named 'Chris' within the party, possibly indicating a leadership challenge or strategic shift. The piece critiques Labour's lack of decisive action, implying that their passive stance could further harm their electoral prospects. The tone suggests skepticism toward the party's ability to respond effectively to declining support.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames Labour's response to the poor poll results as indecisive and potentially detrimental to their chances, which aligns with a right-leaning perspective that often criticizes left-wing parties for being too hesitant or ineffective. The focus on internal uncertainty and the suggestion

Why factuality: no official source document/info detected

Why objectivity (65): The headline 'Should they roll the other Chris?' suggests a potential criticism of Labour's leadership style, implying a lack of proactive action. The phrasing 'Labour's watch-and-wait after dreadful poll' carries a negative connotation, indicating a biased perspective towards Labour's strategy.

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