Hipkins Edges First New Zealand Election Debate

TVNZ leaders' debate: The worm returns in disguise

TVNZ uses an audience measurement tool reminiscent of the infamous worm to score the leaders' performances in the first televised leaders' debate.  Newsroom co-editor Mark Jennings was in the studio audience.

Hipkins edges first New Zealand election debate

The two candidates to be New Zealand's prime minister after the November 7 election have sparred on the cost of living, tax plans and more.

Election 2026 leaders' debate bingo (or drinking game if you like)

Ready your pencils – the first leaders' debate kicks off tonight at 7pm on TVNZ1.

Hipkins and Luxon clash in first leaders' debate

‘Up the Wahs’: From fireworks and the All Blacks to capital gains tax, TVNZ leaders’ debate sees Chris Hipkins and Christopher Luxon clash

9pm LIVE TONIGHT: The Bradbury Group Post TVNZ Leaders Debate Special with Willie Jackson, Sandra Grey, Sean Plunket, John Tamihere, Matthew Tukaki and Dr Harpreet Singh

A marxist, the Māori Labour Caucus Co-President, the NZCTU President, Sean Plunket, President of the Māori Party, a Dr and...