# Chris v Chris debate

> National and Labour leaders face tight race in 2026 election.
- Title: Chris v Chris debate · RNZ | Shortify
- Summary: National and Labour leaders face tight race in 2026 election. Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins both performed well in their TVNZ leaders debate but…
- Keywords: christopher luxon, chris hipkins, national party, labour party, tvnz debate, opportunity party, mmp, election 2026, politics, news, Chris, debate
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/politics_election-2026/1772799/chris-v-chris-are-they-still-playing-in-the-major-party-league
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-10-06T18:53:23+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: christopher luxon, chris hipkins, national party, labour party, tvnz debate, opportunity party, mmp, election 2026, politics, news
## Debate preview
Three years ago, National was on 37 points in polls with Labour at 27 percent.
## Current polls
RNZ-Reid Research shows National at 26 percent and Labour at 31 percent, while 1News-Verian has a one-point gap.
## Minor parties rising
Opportunity party has grown in size and influence, potentially becoming a kingmaker in the next government.
## Coalition possibilities
The next government could be made up of four parties, similar to Sir John Key's National government in 2008.
## Luxon's stance
Luxon ruled out working with Opportunity due to its land tax policy and National's campaign on no new taxes.
## Debate highlights
Luxon argued on education while Hipkins conceded Labour got India across the line on free trade.
## Next steps
Both leaders face another debate in a week as minor parties gain leverage in coalition talks.
## Key takeaway

Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins both performed well in their TVNZ leaders debate but neither party has a clear path to government as minor parties gain influence.