The kingmakers get their turn tonight, as the five party leaders who could hand either National or Labour the keys to power face off in TVNZ’s Multi-Party Debate.
ACT leader David Seymour, Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi and Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong will take part.
Breakfast presenter Tova O’Brien will host the debate from 7pm on TVNZ 1, TVNZ+ and 1News.co.nz.
The debate will take place an hour after the latest 1News Verian poll is released at 6pm.
Last week's poll, released on October 6, had National and Labour on 29% and 28% respectively, while the Greens remained in a strong position.
Seymour and Peters lead parties in the current National-led coalition, while Swarbrick and Waititi head opposition parties.
Support for Wong's party is currently polling above the 5% threshold for getting in to Parliament.
TVNZ has extensive coverage of the election campaign. (Source: TVNZ)
The debate is the second of four TVNZ will screen before the election, and part of 1News' extensive campaign coverage, including the interactive Vote Compass tool which launched this month.
Last week's TVNZ Leaders Debate saw National leader Christopher Luxon and Labour leader Chris Hipkins clash over trustworthiness, racism and the cost of living. A panel of undecided voters backed Hipkins over Luxon.
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, but declined by Luxon — for the Q+A People's Debate. It will put voters' questions to every party that qualifies under TVNZ's debate criteria, including National and Labour. Jack Tame will moderate.
All debates will screen on 1News.co.nz, TVNZ+, and TVNZ 1.
Follow live updates of the debates on the 1News app and website.
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