More than a million New Zealanders watched Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins go head-to-head in last night's 1News Leaders Debate across TVNZ's platforms.
The 90-minute primetime debate, moderated by Jack Tame, reached 941,500 viewers live on TVNZ 1, making it the second-highest reaching broadcast programme of the year so far.
On average, 511,700 people watched the full debate.
The clash between the PM and the Labour leader was the first time this campaign that voters had seen the heads of the country's two largest parties debate face-to-face.
They appeared in front of a live studio audience, while 100 undecided voters followed along from TVNZ's atrium and shared their reactions through the night.
Both Simeon Brown and Kieran McAnulty claimed their boss had won last night's debate. (Source: Breakfast)
TVNZ chief news and content officer Nadia Tolich said the broadcaster had set out to put the issues that matter to New Zealanders "front and centre".
"[We wanted to give] voters a clear view of the leaders and their priorities, and [make] a complex campaign easier to navigate. The audience response shows the value of trusted, accessible election coverage," she said.
Streaming added to the total. More than 117,000 accounts (117,186) watched on TVNZ+, and the live stream on 1News.co.nz reached another 18,000 people. The site's live blog recorded 52,000 page views.
TVNZ has extensive coverage of the election campaign. (Source: TVNZ)
Tolich said TVNZ was "proud to bring New Zealanders together for these defining moments" ahead of the November 7 election.
The full debate and post-debate analysis, including sign-language interpreted versions, are available on TVNZ+.
TVNZ's next live debate, the 1News: Your Vote 2026 Multi-Party Debate, will screen on October 13 at 7pm on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+, with Tova O'Brien moderating.
The issues that matter most to Māori will take centre stage in the 1News: Kaupapa Māori Debate on October 29 at 7.30pm on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+, hosted by Te Karere presenter Scotty Morrison and 1News Māori Affairs Correspondent Te Aniwa Hurihanganui.
Two days before the General Election, The Q+A People’s Debate will pose voters’ questions directly to all the parties that have qualified under TVNZ’s debate criteria, including National and Labour.
Moderated by Tame, this debate - the country’s final one of the campaign - airs on November 5 at 7pm on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+.
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