This is edition 2026/025 of the Ten@10 newsletter.
Hi all,
This is the Ten@10, where I collate and summarise ten news items you generally won't see in the mainstream media.
Enjoy!
Are Labour and the Greens ready for a coalition with NZ First?
Bryce Edwards
- 🗳️ NZ First's Surge: Polls show NZ First at 9.8%, with steady growth. Peters has mastered the balancing act of playing the populist at home while cultivating an elder-statesman image abroad.
- 🤔 Balance of Power: With Labour at 35%, National at 31.9%, and NZ First at 9.8%, the next government hinges on NZ First's support. Peters could decide which side governs.
- 📊 Strategic Flexibility: Peters has governed with both Labour and National, and his ability to shift sides makes him a critical player for either bloc. His flexibility gives him leverage to negotiate the best deal.
- ⚖️ Labour's Dilemma: Labour may need NZ First to form a government. Despite previous tensions, they could partner again to avoid staying in opposition, with Peters possibly becoming PM.
- 🌱 Greens' Conundrum: The Greens may be shut out if Labour partners with NZ First. However, they would likely support the government to prevent a right-wing coalition, despite their ideological differences with Peters.
- 💼 The Left's Silent Struggle: The left avoids discussing the possibility of a Labour-NZ First government, knowing it risks alienating their base. However, polls indicate that without NZ First, their chances of winning are slim.
- 🏛️ Peters' Paradox: Peters plays to both left and right interests, supporting policies like wage increases and social protections while opposing cultural liberalism. This makes him a viable partner for either side.
