From NZ Herald · · 1m 40s
Election 2026: Experts Crown Winner of Herald Powerbrokers' Debate
Winston Peters wins Herald Powerbrokers' debate as experts rate four leaders' performances.
In brief
Winston Peters wins Herald Powerbrokers' debate as experts rate four leaders' performances. Winston Peters was crowned the winner of the Herald Powerbrokers' debate by NZ Herald experts, who praised his strong performance and unique insights on Māori issues. Originally reported by NZ Herald.
Debate Overview
Winston Peters, David Seymour, Marama Davidson, and Qiulae Wong competed in the Herald's Powerbrokers' debate on October 21, 2026.
“Winston Peters, David Seymour, Marama Davidson and Qiulae Wong have gone head-to-head in the Herald’s Powerbrokers’ debate.”
Audrey Young's Verdict
Audrey Young, NZ Herald senior political correspondent, crowned Winston Peters as the winner for his strong performance, humor, and originality.
“Each of the four leaders did extremely well, for one reason or another, but Winston Peters did best overall.”
Peters' Strengths
Peters delivered strong messages, humor, and unique insights on Māori issues, including the truth about gangs and abuse in the Māori community.
“In the Māori world, about which some of us know something, we know that our people are guilty of calling their womenfolk and children a taonga and then abusing them massively.”
Seymour's Approach
David Seymour focused on consensus-building, policy details, and the End of Life Choice Bill, showing a statesman-like position.
“He was able to set his party apart from some of his partners’ policies without giving the impression he was directly attacking his colleagues.”
Davidson's Strategy
Marama Davidson shifted from combative to conciliatory after last week's debate, focusing on helping people turn their lives around.
“She struck a more conciliatory and reasoned tone about wanting to help people turn their lives around for the better.”
Wong's Position
Qiulae Wong emphasized Opportunity's left-leaning policies on climate and tax, while criticizing Davidson's focus on removing the government.
“It should be about pro-active policies that take our country forward.”
Peters vs. Wong Dynamic
Peters and Wong engaged in a competitive exchange, with Peters calling Wong's ideas 'dreamtime stuff' and Wong challenging his experience.
“I think there are lots of things that happened in the 50s and 60s that would be inappropriate today.”
Seymour's Balance
Seymour successfully balanced promoting past achievements with identifying areas for improvement without alienating coalition partners.
“He was able to walk a line between championing what the Government’s done in the past three years while identifying what he thought could be done better.”
Key Debate Moment
Peters admitted to getting 'a few smackings' as a child, prompting Wong to comment on historical context and inappropriate practices.
“I think there are lots of things that happened in the 50s and 60s that would be inappropriate today.”
Debate Outcome
The debate highlighted the competitive dynamics between Peters and Wong while Seymour maintained a middle-of-the-road approach that could appeal to voters seeking stability.
“He was able to set his party apart from some of his partners’ policies without giving the impression he was directly attacking his colleagues.”
The headline
Winston Peters was crowned the winner of the Herald Powerbrokers' debate by NZ Herald experts, who praised his strong performance and unique insights on Māori issues.
