Key facts
- New Zealand's general election is scheduled for November 7.
- A Radio New Zealand-Reid Research poll showed Labour at 30.6% and National at 24.8%.
- A 1News and Verian poll showed National at 29%, with ACT and New Zealand First.
- Overhang seats are expected to be crucial for forming a government.
Nine days before New Zealand's general election on November 7, polls indicate a tight race with no clear winner or dominant coalition. A Radio New Zealand-Reid Research poll showed Labour leading with 30.6% of the vote, while the ruling National party garnered 24.8%. Conversely, an earlier 1News and Verian poll placed National at 29%, potentially enabling a return to government with coalition partners New Zealand First and ACT. The mixed-member proportional system used in New Zealand often results in coalition governments, and the upcoming election may require several overhang seats to determine the final parliamentary composition.