Politics
Polls diverge on whether National or Labour manage key issues the best
A new poll out today suggested National controlled most key issues better.
Latest from Labour Party
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
Left and right blocs neck and neck as election goes down to the wire
Opportunity's projected seven seats could put it in the kingmaker position.
New poll leaves race on a knife edge as Opportunity holds the keys to power
National and Labour gain, but neither bloc can govern alone.
Election 2026 Campaign Diary: Seymour plays to strength and Hipkins doesn't disagree
Shane Jones has better timing for his fishing trip than Winston Peters.
‘Taking the p***’: Phil Goff calls out Chris Bishop over endorsement post
Bishop has edited a social media post claiming Phil Goff was backing him over Andersen.
Will Labour's Chris Flatt strike fourth time lucky against 18-year veteran Louise Upston?
Before Flatt, Labour has put up Francis Campbell, Jamie Strange and Aladdin Al-Bustanji.
Why engineering an overhang is wrong (and how it actually works)
OPINION: Proportionality is the reason Kiwis chose MMP. It's deeply cynical to fight that.
Labour says its fiscal plan can stretch to cover cost of new pay deals, National is sceptical
Labour says there's money for new deals with unions, National asks, 'where?'
Councillor Raj Kumar comes under fire for Facebook post criticising Labour
Bay of Plenty Regional councillor Raj Kumar was criticised for posting a video of a fight and making a comment that they were beaten up for voting Labour.
Willis accepts Kiwis are ‘over’ election campaign amid defence of Swarbrick attacks
It comes as a new poll is expected to be released tonight.
Who's in? Meet the dozens of new candidates likely to be MPs next term
ANALYSIS: The new MPs in the next parliamentary term, if the Poll of Polls is correct.
Election 2026 Campaign Diary: The best and worst start to the final week
See what Qiuale Wong and Winston Peters have got in the Melbourne Cup "sweepstake"?
'Serious stuff': Willis defends focus on Swarbrick this election
Chlöe Swarbrick has accused National of being 'obsessed' with her.
NZ Herald LIVE: Chris Hipkins makes a policy announcement
Labour leader Chris Hipkins speaks to media in Glen Eden. Video / RNZ
What are we voting for? Do we still have shared values to unite us?
OPINION: 'My eldest son is voting for the first time. What do I tell him?'
Labour trusted to manage almost every top issue better than National
A new poll has more bad news for the National Party.
The paths to power for Labour, National as final election week kicks off
ANALYSIS: There are variables in this year's race.
Fighting for their political lives: The careers on the line this election
An uncertain campaign could see the end of several high-profile MPs.
Leaked message: National Tāmaki supporters told 'don't wear blue' ahead of Luxon walkabout
The National leader is expected to attend a walkabout in the electorate on Monday.
New Zealand needs an independent watchdog for election promises
OPINION: An independent watchdog could show voters the 40-year cost of promises.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins speaks to media
Labour leader Chris Hipkins speaks to media on campaign trail. Video / NZ Herald
How a Christchurch gelato shop became an election campaign hotspot
The Scoop Poll began in 2017 with just Labour and National flavours.
Nats' attacks on Chlöe have gone too far
OPINION: Swarbrick's fiscal policies sit between radical and 'cooked'.
'Dysfunction': Vote splitting divides the right – Luxon calls out 'disappointing' Act, NZ First
It comes as the final week of the campaign begins.
I introduced the phrase 'cost-of-living crisis' in 2023 and Labour has learned a lesson from it
OPINION: Act raised expectations what a centre-right Govt could do on the cost of living.
NZ Herald Afternoon Headlines | Saturday, October 31, 2026
NZ Herald Afternoon Headlines | Saturday, October 31, 2026. Labour is confident the votes will swing its way and the Diwali Festival returns to Aotea Square. Video / NZ Herald
Labour leader Chris Hipkins speaks to media
Labour leader Chris Hipkins spoke to the media following a Labour Party rally in Sandringham. Video / NZ Herald
The health election: Big promises, but who can actually deliver?
OPINION: Health policies must be judged on delivery, not promises.
I know how to deliver a budget surplus. A change of Govt will jeopardise our 2028 return to that
OPINION: I was Finance Minister during the GFC. We borrowed but had a plan to pay it back.
You can't cut your way out of a fiscal hole. Today's layoffs are tomorrow's missing customers
OPINION: Sound fiscal policy must contain debt. The key is how it is invested.