Arya News -
New Zealand’s governing centre-right National Party leads with 31.19 percent of votes, followed closely by the opposition centre-left Labour Party with 28.35 percent, according to early results.
The country’s Electoral Commission said on Saturday that the centrist Opportunity Party will meet the 5 percent threshold to enter parliament.
Polling stations opened at 9am on Saturday (20:00 GMT Friday) and closed at 7pm (06:00 GMT Saturday).
New Zealand’s Electoral Commission aims to release preliminary results from 95 percent of polling stations by the end of election night on Saturday. A final result, which will reflect ballots cast by New Zealanders abroad, is expected by November 27.
There is no time frame for when a government must be formed.
Supporters gather at Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins’ election night watch party, in Upper Hutt, New Zealand, November 7, 2026. [Hollie Adams/Reuters] The National Party pledged to return the budget to surplus through fiscal discipline while expanding the national pension scheme. The Labour Party promised cheaper healthcare and transport.
New Zealand holds a general election every three years under a mixed-member proportional system.
Voters do not elect a leader of the country, but instead select a local electorate candidate and a political party.
Electorate winners earn a seat in the typically 120-seat parliament, as do the highest-ranked members of the party based on their national party vote.
All votes are counted by hand, not by machine.