Labour and National in Dead Heat as Government Scrapes Through
Voters are in a holding pattern. With neither major bloc able to break clear, the support parties continue to wield outsized power. That is the reality of MMP in 2026.
Voters are in a holding pattern. With neither major bloc able to break clear, the support parties continue to wield outsized power. That is the reality of MMP in 2026.
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A lot can change in politics but right now the trend favours the coalition returning with a stronger NZ First presence and some big adjustments in the seat counts.
🔴 VIP EARLY ACCESS Rapid Intelligence Briefing | 12 May 2026 | Stuff.co.nz + open source | High Confidence | Medium-High Urgency EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has categorically ruled out any grand coalition with Labour, calling the notion “insanity” while he cleans up the previous government’s mess. Winston Peters has done
The mainstream seem determined to die on this hill, defending their outdated methods while attacking anyone who steps outside the club. Meanwhile the new media age has arrived.
Luxon delivers Winston Peters a ready-made wedge and stick.
People want options beyond the tired old red and blue. They want parties that will actually challenge the status quo rather than protect it. Hooton can push his grand coalition fantasy all he likes.
There is no doubt that what Winston is saying will resonate with the public. Nicola has the unenviable task of convincing the voters to think otherwise.
The whole idea is borne of establishment panic.
Kiwis voted for change in 2023. They do not want a return to the days when the only choice was between two shades of the same colour.
If Labour and Chris Hipkins are the answer, then it must have been a very stupid question. Kiwis deserve better than recycled excuses and unfulfilled rhetoric.
Prime Minister, the country is running out of time – and you are running out of excuses. Enough. New Zealand cannot survive more soft leadership.
Running from a weekly interview slot is not a shrewd move. It is weakness on display. New Zealand deserves better than a leader who bends over and points at his own backside while claiming the sun shines out of it.
National can keep ignoring the polls and the voters if they wish. They will reap what they sow.
💡Quick Hits are an exclusive format from The Good Oil. Upgrade your membership to get every Quick Hit, plus deep dives, intelligence briefings, and more — delivered straight to you. The latest Talbot Mills poll has dropped and the message is unmistakable: New Zealand First is surging, the Greens are in