Archive · 1 Oct 2026
New Zealand Parliament Dissolved Ahead of Tight November Election
New Zealand is getting ready to choose its next government.
Parliament was dissolved on October 1, which officially began the election campaign.
People will vote on November 7.
The current government is a centre-right coalition.
A Labour-led group of parties is trying to replace it.
One poll said the Labour-led group could win 65 seats, while the current bloc could win 59.
New Zealand uses a voting system that often requires parties to work together.
The Opportunity Party could become important if neither major group can govern alone.
New Zealand’s Parliament was dissolved on October 1, formally starting campaigning for the November 7 national election.
The contest is between the ruling centre-right coalition and a Labour-led left bloc.
A 1News-Verian poll projected 65 seats for the Labour-led bloc and 59 for National, ACT and New Zealand First.
The election campaign is focused on the cost of living, economic management and public services.
New Zealand’s proportional voting system makes coalition governments and minor parties important in forming governments.
- Who
- The ruling centre-right coalition, a Labour-led left bloc, and smaller parties including the Opportunity Party.
- What
- New Zealand’s Parliament was dissolved and campaigning officially began for a national election.
- When
- Parliament was dissolved on October 1; the election is scheduled for November 7, with overseas voting from October 21 and advance voting from October 26.
- Where
- New Zealand.
- Why
- The dissolution marks the formal start of campaigning to determine the country’s next government.
Labour-led left bloc
Incumbent centre-right coalition
Projected governing strength
Labour-led left bloc
A 1News-Verian poll indicated that a Labour-led coalition could potentially win 65 seats and form a government.
Incumbent centre-right coalition
The poll projected 59 seats for the incumbent bloc involving National, ACT and New Zealand First.
- Election date
- November 7
- Parliament dissolved
- October 1
- Final sitting
- September 23
- Poll projection
- 65 seats for a Labour-led bloc versus 59 for National, ACT and New Zealand First
- Overseas voting
- Begins October 21
- Advance voting
- Opens October 26
- Electoral system
- Mixed Member Proportional representation