National leader Christopher Luxon and Labour leader Chris Hipkins step into the ring tonight for one of their only one-on-one debates of this election campaign, with both saying they are ready for the contest.
Luxon described his opponent as "obviously a career politician" and a "formidable debater".
"[He's a] better debater than he was a minister or prime minister. But I'm looking forward to it."
Hipkins told 1News he was feeling "very upbeat" and that voters would see "a prime minister in waiting".
He said he would focus on the cost of living, health and building a country young people want to stay in. "I'm sick of seeing young people lining up at the airport to leave the country."
The 90-minute Leaders' Debate starts at 7pm in front of a live studio audience, screening live and free on 1News, TVNZ+, and TVNZ 1. Q+A presenter Jack Tame will moderate.
Key topics the leaders will be asked about include cost of living, health and education, as well as the climate and environment.
Tonight's debate is the first of four TVNZ will screen before the November 7 election, and the only one featuring the two leaders alone.
Luxon declined an invitation to a second head-to-head on November 5.
TVNZ has extensive coverage of the election campaign. (Source: TVNZ)
With both major parties on 28% in last week's 1News Verian Poll, tonight's debate comes at a tight and critical point in this year's campaign.
The Leaders' Debate is the first of several live debates and part of 1News' extensive campaign coverage, including the interactive Vote Compass tool which launched on Sunday.
Breakfast presenter Tova O'Brien will host the 1News: Multi-Party Debate on October 13 at 7pm. TVNZ will confirm which party leaders will be able to take part the week of the debate, once qualifying polls are in.
Te Karere presenter Scotty Morrison and 1News Māori Affairs Correspondent Te Aniwa Hurihanganui will co-host the 1News: Kaupapa Māori Debate on October 29 at 7.30pm.
TVNZ will use the November 5 slot — intended for a second Leaders' Debate — for the Q+A People's Debate, which puts voters' questions to every party that qualifies under TVNZ's debate criteria, including National and Labour. Tame will moderate.
All debates will screen on the 1News app, TVNZ+, and TVNZ 1.
Viewers will be able to share their reactions in real time through interactive features.
Follow live updates of the debates on the 1News app and website.
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