Opportunity's rise 'fantastic', land tax 'rough round the edges' - founder
Gareth Morgan, founder of the Opportunity party, praised current leader Qiulae Wong while expressing reservations about the party's proposed land tax. He emphasized the need for the party to appeal to center-right voters to avoid being categorized as a purely left-wing movement.
Why it matters
The internal debate over tax policy and voter base strategy highlights the shifting political landscape ahead of the election.
<p>Gareth Morgan, who founded Opportunity in 2017, said it was "fantastic" to see the party become a contender in this election.</p> <p>Opportunity was on 7% in the latest <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/10/20/poll-national-jumps-leaving-labours-position-perilous/" target="_blank">1News Verian poll</a>.</p> <p>He said leader Qiulae Wong was "telegenic" and "just the tonic we need".</p> <p>"She's a good politician, she doesn't get ruffled, and I think represents what the party was built for," he told Breakfast today.</p> <p>Wong, campaigning in Christchurch today, said the praise was “very generous”.</p> <p>“I’m just trying to put out our vision for the country. I think New Zealanders are looking for some aspiration and some direction,” she told 1News.</p> <p>Morgan said their policies were “pretty much on song” with what he led the party on in 2017.</p> <p>"Tax and welfare reform is the centrepiece and by far the most needed component.
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