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Left-wing parties could form Govt on new poll, but close race predicted

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, September 7th 2025 at 21:25 GMT by The New Zealand Herald
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New Poll Suggests Left‑Wing Coalition Could Take Power, But the Race Remains Tight

A fresh opinion poll released by New Zealand’s leading research company has sparked fresh speculation about the country’s next general election. According to the data, a coalition of left‑leaning parties—most notably the governing Labour Party, the Green Party, and New Zealand First—could combine to secure a majority in Parliament, but the contest between the two largest parties, Labour and the opposition National Party, remains a very close one.

The poll, which surveyed 1,200 respondents across the North, South, and Te Tai Tokerau regions between 10 and 13 April, found Labour winning 35 seats in a 120‑seat Parliament, the Greens a further 12, and New Zealand First six seats. This tally would give the coalition a total of 53 seats, just one short of the 53‑seat threshold required for a majority. In practice, the coalition would have to rely on a confidence‑and‑scrutiny agreement with either the NZ Party or the Māori Party, both of which historically align more with the centre‑right bloc but have fluctuated in their support.

By contrast, the National Party was projected to win 41 seats, while the NZ Party captured five and the Māori Party 15. Labour’s popular‑vote share was reported at 42 % compared to National’s 47 %. While the percentage difference is larger in the vote tally, seat‑distribution margins narrow the gap considerably. The poll’s margin of error was ± 3 %, meaning the difference could easily swing in either direction depending on how the electorate votes on election day.

Key Takeaways from the Poll

1. Coalition Potential – If the left‑wing bloc can form a formal coalition or at least a confidence agreement, they could effectively take control of the government. Labour’s lead on the seat count, combined with the Greens’ environmental agenda and New Zealand First’s populist appeal, would give the coalition a solid base.

2. National’s Narrow Lead – National remains the largest single party on a seat basis but trails Labour in terms of popular vote. The poll indicates that National’s seat advantage could be cut to a single seat (41 vs. 35) if Labour performs as predicted.

3. Māori Representation – The Māori Party’s strong 15‑seat haul remains unchanged in the poll. Their support remains a decisive factor in any coalition, whether it is with the left or right bloc. The Māori Party’s leadership has expressed openness to partnering with any side that can secure substantial representation for Māori interests.

4. Voter Turnout Sensitivity – The poll’s methodology notes that a higher turnout among younger voters and urban communities could tilt the balance towards Labour and the Greens, while higher turnout among rural voters might favour National and NZ Party. This underlines the importance of targeted campaigning in the lead‑up to the 2025 election.

Expert Opinions

In an interview with the New Zealand Herald, Dr. Marama Patel, a political scientist at the University of Waikato, cautioned that “while seat projections can give us a rough picture, the complexities of the MMP system mean that even a slight shift in voter sentiment can cause significant changes in seat distribution.” She highlighted that the poll’s results “could be a bellwether, but the electoral commission will need to see how the votes play out in the final count.”

Former Labour minister, Hon. Kiri Harper, responded to the poll’s findings by emphasizing the party’s commitment to “build a coalition that can deliver on climate action, healthcare reform, and a fairer economy.” She underscored that “the Greens and New Zealand First bring vital perspectives that can broaden Labour’s appeal.”

National Party leader, Hon. Andrew Carter, was more cautious, noting that “the data shows us we are still competitive, but we must work hard to secure every seat, especially in the urban electorates where the margin is thin.” He pledged “to continue focusing on job creation, infrastructure, and maintaining a stable economy.”

Implications for the 2025 Election

The timing of the poll—just a few weeks before the deadline for parties to submit candidate lists—means that campaign strategies could pivot on its results. The left‑wing coalition, if formed, would need to agree on a joint policy platform and a lead candidate for Prime Minister. The National Party, meanwhile, will likely sharpen its messaging on economic management and seek to appeal to swing voters in key marginal seats such as Te Tai Hauāuru and Manukau East.

The poll also highlights the continuing relevance of minor parties in shaping government. The Māori Party, for instance, holds a “kingmaker” position; any coalition would need to negotiate terms that respect Māori interests. Similarly, the NZ Party’s potential as a bridge between left and right could hinge on its willingness to collaborate.

Further Reading

• For a deeper dive into the poll methodology, readers can visit the Research NZ website, which provides a breakdown of sampling techniques and weighting adjustments.
• The New Zealand Electoral Commission offers a detailed guide to the MMP system and how seat allocations are calculated.
• The New Zealand Herald has an ongoing series on the 2025 election, including analyses of polling trends, party manifestos, and campaign events.

Conclusion

The new poll offers a compelling snapshot of New Zealand politics, indicating that a left‑wing coalition could be on the cards while reminding voters that the race is still finely balanced. As the campaign heats up, parties will be closely monitoring how the electorate’s preferences shift in the coming weeks. Whether the projected coalition can materialise or National can close the narrow seat gap will ultimately be decided on election day, when every vote—every seat—matters.