Election 2026: Chris Hipkins and Christopher Luxon’s final debate - who won?
New Zealand political leaders Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins faced off in their final livestreamed debate ahead of the November 7 election. Both candidates engaged in a free-flowing, intense exchange discussing key issues like the cost of living and healthcare.
Why it matters
This debate marks the final head-to-head encounter between the two major political figures, concluding a significant era in New Zealand's modern political landscape.
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Chris Hipkins and Christopher Luxon during the Stuff leaders' debate.
New Zealanders likely witnessed history on Tuesday night, when National leader Christopher Luxon and Labour leader Chris Hipkins met for their final televised or streamed leaders’ debate, hosted by Stuff.
They’ve clashed in six televised fixtures since their first debate on September 19, 2023, three that election (a fourth was cancelled when Hipkins contracted Covid) and three this time around.
Whatever happens on November 7, at least one of them won’t be fighting the next election (we think). Chrissendom – the era of Luxon and Hipkins, our 21st-century Gladstone and Disraeli – is over.
Luxon came to the debate with low expectations; he’s regarded as the poorer debater, with most commentary rating him as the weaker performer in the last two debates.
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