New Zealand heading toward change in government: poll
NEW Zealand looks to be heading towards a change of government after an October election, according to a new poll showing the opposition National Party and likely coalition partner ACT holding 50 per cent of the vote.
The latest 1News Verian poll published late on Monday forecasts a centre-right bloc of the National Party and the ACT party winning 65 seats.
The centre-left bloc, combining the ruling Labour Party and Greens, were at 52 seats, well below the numbers needed to remain in power. Labour, with just 29 per cent support, is now at its lowest level in six years.
Parties need 61 seats for a majority in New Zealand’s 120-seat House of Representatives.
Less than two months out from the election, the gap for preferred prime minister is also narrowing. Current Prime Minister Chris Hipkins is registering 21 per cent support, down 3 points, while National leader Christopher Luxon is at 20 per cent, unchanged.
The poll puts minor party New Zealand First at 4 per cent, still below the threshold of being able to get back into parliament without a candidate being elected.
The survey was held from Aug 12-16 and 1002 voters were polled by mobile phone, online and using online panels. REUTERS
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