2026 New Zealand General Election
In short
New Zealanders are voting in the general election today, 7 November 2026, with polls closing at 7 p.m. local time (0600 GMT) as reported by Reuters.
What is happening
Voters are electing 120 members to the House of Representatives using the mixed-member proportional (MMP) system. The election features a contest between the incumbent National Party led by Christopher Luxon and the Labour Party led by Chris Hipkins. Economic concerns are expected to dominate the outcome, with minor parties likely to hold the balance of power.
When
7 November 2026
Why it matters
The result will determine the next coalition government and the leadership of the country. Because of the MMP system, small parties will likely play a crucial role in deciding which major party forms the government.
Easy to mix up
Do not confuse this with the 2024 United States presidential election cycle occurring around the same period.