National Party

Voters won't be giving their say on a four-year term when they go to the polls in November.

Referendum on four-year election term ditched by Government

The decision by Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is revealed by 1News.

Wed, Feb 18

NZ First leader singled out a Green MP for his Rarotongan heritage, which Labour leader Chris Hipkins says was "pure racism". Photo: RNZ

Chris Hipkins accuses Winston Peters of 'pure racism' in Parliament

The Greens say Peters is scapegoating migrants, while ACT's David Seymour – his own Cabinet colleague – says Peters is simply seeking attention.

Wed, Feb 18

Winston Peters asked about the latest 1News poll.

Winston on the rise? Party leaders react to 1News poll

He's not normally a fan of the polls, but Winston Peters may have cause to smile at the latest poll.

Mon, Feb 16

There was better news for Chris Hipkins than for Christopher Luxon in the poll..

Poll: Hipkins, Luxon neck and neck as preferred PM – Govt gets 5/10

The results are revealed in the first 1News Verian poll of election year.

Mon, Feb 16

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters speaking at Waitangi Treaty Grounds last week. (File photo)

New Zealand First to campaign on Māori seats referendum

The party said the time had come for a decision on their future, while Te Pāti Māori decried the policy as "race baiting".

Thu, Feb 12

Referendum on four-year election term ditched by Government

The decision by Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is revealed by 1News.

Wed, Feb 18

Chris Hipkins accuses Winston Peters of 'pure racism' in Parliament

The Greens say Peters is scapegoating migrants, while ACT's David Seymour – his own Cabinet colleague – says Peters is simply seeking attention.

Wed, Feb 18

Winston on the rise? Party leaders react to 1News poll

He's not normally a fan of the polls, but Winston Peters may have cause to smile at the latest poll.

Mon, Feb 16

Poll: Hipkins, Luxon neck and neck as preferred PM – Govt gets 5/10

The results are revealed in the first 1News Verian poll of election year.

Mon, Feb 16

New Zealand First to campaign on Māori seats referendum

The party said the time had come for a decision on their future, while Te Pāti Māori decried the policy as "race baiting".

Thu, Feb 12

Tax, levy, fee or charge? Parties in war of words over Govt's gas policy

A new energy terminal in Taranaki will be funded by a levy that critics are calling a tax.

Tue, Feb 10

Heckles and fiery retorts as politicians speak at Waitangi

The Prime Minister acknowledged the atmosphere surrounding Waitangi Day and conversations about the Treaty had sometimes been "very heated".

Thu, Feb 5

January 2026

Then-police minister Judith Collins holds up a gun in 2011 at a media even.

Talofa and goodbye: Moments from 24 years of 'Crusher Collins'

Judith Collins has been an MP continuously since 2002, holding the title of Mother of the House as the longest-serving female member of Parliament.

Wed, Jan 28

Judith Collins announces her retirement from politics.

National MP Judith Collins announces she's leaving Parliament

The Cabinet minister and former National Party leader served in senior roles across multiple governments, and leader of the opposition from 2020 to 2021.

Wed, Jan 28

The leaders of parties represented in Parliament as of January 20, 2026 (file image).

Election Day: Why Luxon chose the first Saturday in November

Analysis: The latest an election has been held since 2011, likely giving Christopher Luxon more time for the economy to get back on track.

Thu, Jan 22

'Game on' as PM Luxon reveals 2026 election date

National Party deputy leader Nicola Willis said it's "game on" for polling day.

Wed, Jan 21

"There’s real cause for optimism," Luxon told attendees at the Auckland Business Chamber event.

PM launches National's election pitch, 'optimistic' on economy

Christopher Luxon spoke in a state of the nation address in front of an Auckland business audience earlier today, saying there's "real cause for optimism".

Mon, Jan 19

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, left, ACT Party leader David Seymour, National Party leader Christopher Luxon, Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins, Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick.

Election year starts here: what to expect from politics and the economy in 2026

Two Chrises, two rival coalitions, and lingering economic malaise will help define the political year ahead.

Mon, Jan 19

December 2025

Nicola Willis at a National campaign event in 2023.

Nicola Willis to run as list-only candidate at 2026 election

Willis had previously run in Wellington Central and Ōhāriu.

December 22, 2025

Govt to open its books today – what to expect from Nicola Willis

Nicola Willis' performance as Finance Minister is under scrutiny as expectations grow for an economic recovery.

December 16, 2025

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaks to 1News' Maiki Sherman in December 2025.

Luxon says Kiwis 'very clearly' see economy turning, defends Willis

The PM also says renters should negotiate with their landlords, saying he's heard stories of people taking "$50 to $100 off a week".

December 14, 2025

National Party leader Prime Minister Christopher Luxon

Poll: Third of voters still back Luxon as best leader for National

In contrast, Hipkins received stronger backing in his position as the Labour leader in the latest 1News Verian poll.

December 9, 2025

Govt reveals big consenting reforms, 'once-in-a-generation shift'

Radical changes are on the way for anyone doing building or planning work that requires a consent.

December 9, 2025

Te Pāti Māori. leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.

Poll: Te Pāti Māori support crashes after weeks of in-fighting

The latest 1News Verian poll has better news for National and Labour.

December 8, 2025

November 2025

Coalition leaders David Seymour, Christopher Luxon and Winston Peters. Composition image by Nadine Christmas (Source: 1News/Getty)

'None whatsoever': Luxon claims no concerns about Winston Peters after u-turn

NZ First leader Winston Peters says he’ll scrap ACT’s Regulatory Standards Bill if re-elected, prompting David Seymour to accuse him of "getting ready to go with Labour".

November 24, 2025