# Election 2026: Experts pick who won Stuff leaders' debate > National and Labour leaders clash over nursing numbers and cost of living in final election debate. - Title: Election 2026: Experts pick who won Stuff leaders' debate - Summary: National and Labour leaders clash over nursing numbers and cost of living in final election debate. Chris Hipkins outperformed Christopher Luxon in debate on… - Keywords: national, labour, chris hipkins, christopher luxon, election 2026, leaders debate, nursing numbers, cost of living, health system, kiwisaver, politics, news - Source: NZ Herald — https://nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/election-2026-our-experts-pick-who-won-the-stuff-leaders-debate/premium/KJUF36JGBJATFFJ4OG3IQMOXAA - Read time: 1 min - Topics: national, labour, chris hipkins, christopher luxon, election 2026, leaders debate, nursing numbers, cost of living, health system, kiwisaver, politics, news ## Debate outcome National leader Christopher Luxon and Labour leader Chris Hipkins spoke to media following their final leaders debate before this year's election. > National leader Christopher Luxon and Labour leader Chris Hipkins spoke to the media following their final leaders debate before this year's election ## Expert verdicts Audrey Young called it a draw, Adam Pearse named Hipkins winner, Shayne Currie said Hipkins won the verbal brawl, Jamie Ensor picked Hipkins. > Our experts rate their performances, and crown a winner ## Nursing numbers dispute Luxon claimed 2100 extra nurses hired under National government but Health New Zealand shows net figure is 54 full-time equivalents. > Luxon said that 2100 "extra" nurses had been recruited under this Government, but that is not a net figure ## Factual accuracy Hipkins was factually correct on nursing numbers but Luxon misrepresented the figure, leading to a tense exchange. > Hipkins said that Luxon’s 2100 figure was "simply not true" ## Cost of living debate Hipkins highlighted rising unemployment, business liquidations, and KiwiSaver withdrawals as evidence of economic hardship. > Hipkins: "48,000 more New Zealanders are unemployed. The cost of living is continuing to go up." ## Debate style Hipkins appeared more prepared and calm while Luxon struggled with nuanced health and homelessness issues. > Luxon had fewer wins on particular issues but he prosecuted in a calmer way ## Social media policy Hipkins criticized Luxon’s social media ban proposal for under-16s as insufficiently developed. > Hipkins also sought to undermine Luxon’s advocacy for a social media ban for under-16s ## Health system crisis Hipkins accused Luxon of being in denial about health worker shortages and crisis conditions. > You are in denial about the extent of the crisis in our health system ## Debate format The debate split between lectern and desk formats with Paddy Gower moderating. > The debate format, splitting between standing at a lectern with Gower and sitting at a desk with co-host Luke Malpass ## Key exchange Hipkins challenged Luxon’s economic claims with specific data points on unemployment and KiwiSaver withdrawals. > Hipkins: "Your plan is not working. 48,000 more New Zealanders are unemployed." ## Leadership confidence Luxon referenced 2023 election results to argue Hipkins was unpopular with voters. > The public said bye-bye Chris Hipkins in 2023 and you’re still here ## Unanswered questions Luxon avoided committing to whether he would resign rather than speak to Opportunity after election. > He criticised the question as a "hypothetical" ## Debate conclusion Experts agreed Hipkins performed better on economic issues while Luxon had stronger moments on social policy. > Hipkins dominated in delivering clear lines that will have cut-through with someone from outside the political class ## Next steps Hipkins urged more leaders' debates to test voters directly against National leader. > Hipkins has appeared more able across the three leaders’ debates ## Voter sentiment 44% of voters now back parties other than Labour or National according to polls. > Polls suggest around 44% of voters now back parties other than Labour or National ## Key takeaway Chris Hipkins outperformed Christopher Luxon in debate on health and cost of living despite factual errors by National leader.