New Zealand election too close to call as early counts trickle in

Summary

New Zealand's general election on November 7 remained too close to call as early results trickled in from across the country. Neither the governing National-Luxon coalition nor Labour looked likely to win a majority, and polls suggested both major parties may struggle to form a government without support from other parties. The rising Opportunity Party was seen as a possible kingmaker. With 8% of the vote counted, National was on 31.2%, Labour on 28.4%, the Greens on 12.9%, ACT on 11.2%, NZ First on 9.6%, Opportunity on 5.7% and Te Pāti Māori on 0.4%. On those figures a right-bloc coalition would return to power, but coverage stressed there is a long way to go, and coalition talks are likely to take weeks. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said National was once again the largest party in parliament.

Timeline

1. ABC

   7 Nov 2026, 06:01 UTCSource ↗

   ABC's live blog reports that a tight New Zealand election result looms, with polls suggesting both major parties may struggle to form a government without support, and quotes Prime Minister Luxon saying National is once again the largest party in parliament.

2. The Hindu

   7 Nov 2026, 08:31 UTCSource ↗

   The Hindu reports that New Zealand's election remained too close to call on November 7 as early results trickled in, with neither the governing National-Luxon coalition nor Labour falling short of a majority, and minor parties including the rising Opportunity Party weighing in.

3. The Guardian

   7 Nov 2026, 13:12 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian's live blog reports that with 8% of the vote counted, National was on 31.2%, Labour on 28.4%, the Greens on 12.9%, ACT on 11.2%, NZ First on 9.6%, Opportunity on 5.7% and Te Pāti Māori on 0.4%, which would put a right-bloc coalition back in power, while noting a long way to go and that coalition talks will likely take weeks.