New Zealanders head to the polls on November 7, 2026, with the cost of living, housing, jobs, and public services at the forefront of the election debate. The main contest is between Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's centre-right National Party and the centre-left Labour Party, though smaller parties could play a decisive role under the country's proportional system.
The economic backdrop is challenging, with inflation at 3.7%, unemployment at its highest since 2015, and stagnant growth over the past three years. National proposes fiscal restraint, lower taxes, and cheaper energy to boost incomes, while Labour aims to cut healthcare, public transport, and fuel costs, along with stricter measures against price gouging. The Greens advocate for lower taxes on low incomes, funded partly by higher taxes on wealth and large companies. Meanwhile, the libertarian ACT party pushes for smaller government and deregulation, and the populist New Zealand First focuses on power, supermarket, and fuel prices.
Housing affordability, rents, and a shortage of social housing remain pressing concerns, with property prices about 17% below their peak. National plans to ease planning rules and open more land for development, while Labour supports a larger state role in building social housing and investing in public assets. The Greens and Te Pati Maori also emphasize public housing and tenant protections, alongside broader social services.
Foreign policy and climate change are also key issues. National supports trade-based foreign policy and closer regional relationships, while Labour stresses an independent foreign policy and increased overseas aid. On climate change, Labour, Opportunity, and the Greens back cheaper public transport and renewable energy, whereas National prioritizes affordable electricity and energy security for farmers and exporters. ACT argues for keeping costs low and maintaining gas for electricity security.
AI and social media have raised concerns about jobs, copyright, privacy, and deepfake misinformation. Labour and the Greens favor stronger AI oversight and tougher platform regulations, while ACT is cautious of broad online restrictions. Opportunity links technology to innovation and democratic participation.