From NZ Herald · · 2m
Election 2026 Powerbrokers Debate: NZ Party Leaders Clash
NZ First's Winston Peters, Greens' Marama Davidson, and Opportunity's Qiulae Wong debate coalition politics ahead of election.
In brief
NZ First's Winston Peters, Greens' Marama Davidson, and Opportunity's Qiulae Wong debate coalition politics ahead of election. NZ party leaders debate coalition strategies as election approaches, with Davidson vowing to remove the current government. Originally reported by NZ Herald.
Powerbrokers Debate
NZ First's Winston Peters, Greens' Marama Davidson, and Opportunity Party's Qiulae Wong debated coalition politics ahead of election 2026.
“I don't come here to talk about private matters, do you mind?”
Davidson on Gang Pad Visit
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson defended visiting a gang pad during election campaign, saying 'ignoring problems doesn't make them go away'.
“Ignoring problems doesn't make them go away”
Wong on NZ First Dominance
Qiulae Wong said voters increasingly frustrated with NZ First 'dominating politics and calling the shots' in recent years.
“dominating our politics and calling the shots”
Peters on Cabinet with Wong
Winston Peters stated he couldn't imagine sitting in cabinet with Qiulae Wong in a future coalition government.
“I can't. I've said so.”
Seymour's Debate Rating
David Seymour called the debate 'the best so far' and wanted to debate National and Labour leaders next.
“the best debate so far”
Davidson on Government Removal
Marama Davidson said the government 'cannot withstand another month, let alone another term' and would be removed.
“cannot withstand another month, let alone another term”
Wong on Coalition Government
Qiulae Wong described Davidson's stance as 'amazing' and said their party wouldn't prop up the current coalition government.
“amazing”
Peters on Private Life
Winston Peters refused to discuss private matters, saying 'I don't come here to talk about private matters, do you mind?'
“I don't come here to talk about private matters, do you mind?”
Seymour on Future Debates
David Seymour expressed interest in debating National and Labour leaders when the networks invite all party leaders.
“it'd be a good idea if the networks actually invited all of the leaders”
Wong on Party Vision
Qiulae Wong described her party's vision as 'proactive policies that take our country forward' rather than removing the government.
“proactive policies that take our country forward”
Davidson on Future Role
Marama Davidson claimed she was 'one of the most powerful people' committed to removing the current government.
“one of the most powerful people”
Peters on Debate Format
Winston Peters praised the debate format as 'much better' compared to previous TVNZ debates.
“much better format tonight”
Seymour on Policy Substance
David Seymour noted the debate had 'greater policy substance' than previous leader debates.
“greater policy substance”
Wong on Coalition Strategy
Qiulae Wong stated her party would not join a coalition government with the current administration.
“we are not proposing to prop up this coalition government”
Davidson on Voter Support
Marama Davidson said the Greens' support was growing and they were polling closer to both National and Labour.
“polling closer to both national and labour”
Peters on Coalition Realities
Winston Peters dismissed the idea of coalition governments, saying 'it's not going to happen' with media support.
“this idea that you can advertise and somehow the media will prop us up and get us there is not going to happen”
The short version
NZ party leaders debate coalition strategies as election approaches, with Davidson vowing to remove the current government.
