From NZ Herald · · 2m
Parliament Welcomes Class of 2026
New Zealand Parliament faces chaotic returns as National MP Vanessa Weenink reveals voter discontent over coalition shifts.
In brief
New Zealand Parliament faces chaotic returns as National MP Vanessa Weenink reveals voter discontent over coalition shifts. New Zealand's National Party faces voter backlash after coalition partners pulled too far right, with Vanessa Weenink warning of long-term damage. Originally reported by NZ Herald.
Vanessa Weenink's voter discontent
Outgoing National MP Vanessa Weenink revealed constituents hate the party’s coalition partners pulling too far right.
“A lot of people in that electorate were telling me, literally, that they hate us, they really got to that point.”
Weenink's coalition criticism
Weenink cited National’s work on Treaty of Waitangi settlements as a reason for her shift from Labour to National.
“My God, it cost us and my God, it hurt us as a country.”
Weenink's dismissal of Opportunity
Weenink dismissed Opportunity’s candidacy as 'ridiculous' despite their potential appeal to National supporters.
“She also revealed an approach from Opportunity to be a potential candidate, which she dismissed as 'ridiculous'.”
Michael Wood's leadership speculation
Labour’s Michael Wood faces leadership speculation despite having a 262-vote lead in Mt Roskill.
“He has a 262-vote lead in Mt Roskill and remains at the mercy of the special votes.”
Wood's past missteps
Wood resigned from Cabinet in 2023 after failing to disclose shareholdings, tarnishing Labour’s reputation.
“It’s the electorate that rejected Wood in 2023 after falling from grace and resigning from Cabinet, having repeatedly failed to disclose shareholdings that potentially conflicted with his ministerial portfolios.”
Kieran McAnulty's reaction
Kieran McAnulty called Wood’s leadership comments 'unwise' given the uncertainty of the election outcome.
“That leader [Hipkins] could be Prime Minister in two weeks and those aren’t the words that I would use.”
Winston Peters' caution
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters urged patience until final election results on November 27.
“It would be very wise if they held their counsel for a little bit longer and found out what the results actually are rather than the hopeful speculation of what it might be.”
Dr David Wilson's disappointment
Dr David Wilson expressed disappointment that New Zealand First’s support fell to mid-teens.
“Reality has bitten and the people have spoken and that’s the way it is.”
Taine Randell's measured response
Incoming MP Taine Randell called New Zealand First’s result a 'pretty good effort' despite disappointment.
“He was a 'wee bit disappointed' while adding it was a 'pretty good effort' to see the party improving on its 2023 result.”
David Seymour's finance stance
Act leader David Seymour stated National cannot demand the finance portfolio in any coalition.
“It is 'no longer tenable' for National to demand the finance portfolio.”
Shane Jones' coalition warning
New Zealand First’s Shane Jones warned National to avoid overplaying its hand in coalition negotiations.
“It’s very important that whatever decisions the leader of the National Party is making, he doesn’t overplay his hand as to how powerful this position actually is.”
National's support decline
National’s support has dropped nine percentage points since 2023 and may fall further on special votes.
“National’s support has not only dived about nine percentage points since 2023, and may drop further on specials, it has also lost a lot of experience with the departures of Willis, Chris Bishop, Paul Goldsmith and Gerry Brownlee.”
Christopher Luxon's Opportunity meeting
National leader Christopher Luxon ruled out Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong as Finance Minister.
“Luxon spent an hour with Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong last night, having emphatically ruled her out umpteen times in the preceding weeks.”
Election results timeline
Final election results will be known on November 27, 2026, after 17 days of uncertainty.
“Peters has said that everyone should hold their horses until the final results come in on November 27.”
Coalition negotiations underway
National, Labour, and New Zealand First are negotiating coalition terms amid shifting political dynamics.
“Everything’s negotiable, Christopher”
What happens next
National must navigate coalition negotiations while addressing voter discontent and potential leadership challenges.
“It’s very important that whatever decisions the leader of the National Party is making, he doesn’t overplay his hand as to how powerful this position actually is.”
The one thing
New Zealand's National Party faces voter backlash after coalition partners pulled too far right, with Vanessa Weenink warning of long-term damage.
