Luxon Gains Ground in Preferred PM Polls Amid Steady Party Support

Christopher Luxon rises five percentage points in preferred prime minister rankings to 28%.
Labour’s support increases by one percentage point, while the Greens drop by two points.
Coalition parties are projected to secure 64 seats in Parliament based on current polling.

Christopher Luxon has made significant gains in the latest 1News Verian poll, with his support as the preferred prime minister rising by 5% to reach 28%. This marks Luxon’s most significant lift since assuming leadership. The poll, conducted between August 10 and 14, surveyed 1,001 eligible voters and revealed a steady 18% support for Labour leader Chris Hipkins. Green Party leader Chlöe Swarbrick also saw a slight increase, reaching 7%.

Coalition partners National, Act and NZ First were all steady. (Source: 1News).

In terms of party votes, National remained unchanged at 38%, while Labour rose by 1% to 30%. The Green Party experienced a 2% drop, falling to 11%, while ACT and New Zealand First held steady at 7% and 6%, respectively. Te Pāti Māori gained 1% to reach 4%.

If these polling results were reflected in an election, the coalition government would likely retain power, albeit with a reduced majority, securing 64 seats—four fewer than its current standing. The Greens, despite their drop, would still retain 14 seats, while ACT would see a reduction in their seats from 11 to 8. National’s seat count would remain steady at 49, and New Zealand First would drop to 7 seats.

Calculation assumes Te Pāti Māori retains its six electorates. (Source: 1News).

Luxon’s recent trip to the United States, where he attended the NATO summit, and Labour’s passing of the controversial Māori wards referendum bill were significant political events during this polling period. Additionally, Luxon’s attendance at the Koroneihana celebrations saw him reaffirm National’s stance against supporting Act’s Treaty Principles Bill beyond its first reading, amid strong opposition from iwi leaders.