Preliminary results suggested Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s coalition could govern with a two-seat majority, but special votes due Nov. 27 may leave New Zealand’s Opportunity Party in position to influence coalition talks.
The preliminary tally gave Opportunity 5.96% of the vote, translating into seven of Parliament’s 131 seats, according to Electoral Commission data. Reuters reported that the result puts the decade-old party on course to enter Parliament for the first time. EconoTimes’ pre-election polling coverage had described the coalition race as unsettled.
The official count, scheduled for Nov. 27, will include special votes. Reuters reported that those ballots have tended to favor the left. If they erase National’s narrow cushion, a major bloc could need Opportunity’s backing to govern. Reuters said either National or Labour is expected to pursue coalition talks.
Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong, 38, previously worked as a sustainable-business consultant. Reuters reported that she took over the party in November 2025 after answering an advertisement for its leadership, then oversaw a rebrand as support rose.
The party’s main proposal is an annual NZ$19,400 basic income for most residents, financed by a 1.75% tax on land, Reuters reported. Opportunity also wants to simplify income-tax rules. The proposed levy would reach primary residences, which many countries exempt from land taxes, Reuters said.
Both major parties rejected Opportunity’s tax proposals, Reuters reported. Luxon said during the campaign that he would not form a coalition with the party, Reuters reported. Wong has said she would negotiate with whichever party wins the most seats.
On Nov. 7, Wong told TVNZ that possible arrangements included a coalition, a confidence-and-supply agreement or taking a place on the crossbenches. “All of those options are on the table,” she said. The Electoral Commission’s official count, including special votes, is due Nov. 27.
