Poll: Opportunity still in kingmaker seat as Greens hold strong
The Opportunity party remains a potential kingmaker in the upcoming New Zealand election, with polls showing they could decide the next government between the left and right blocs. While National leader Christopher Luxon has ruled out a coalition with Opportunity due to tax policy disagreements, the party maintains that a coalition is still possible.
Why it matters
It highlights the mechanics of coalition-building in parliamentary systems where smaller parties can exert significant influence over government formation.
<p>Opportunity continues to hold the keys to power and the Greens remain in a strong position to play a significant role in the next government, the latest 1News Verian poll results show.</p> <p>With Opportunity set for 7% of the vote, and National leader Christopher Luxon having ruled out working with the party, today’s results point to a route to power for Labour.</p> <p>The Greens would have 20 MPs if they maintain the 16% support they are on today in the election on November 7.</p> <p>Opportunity's leader Qiulae Wong told 1News Luxon's stance on a coalition was a mistake.</p> <p>"We've said very clearly there are lots of things that we could work with National on... this is just old school politics at play, and come election night, they might change their tune," she said.</p> <p>But Luxon held firm today, citing Opportunity's policy for a land value tax.
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