# Election 2026 Powerbrokers Debate: NZ First, Greens, National and Opportunity

> NZ First, Greens, National and Opportunity leaders debate coalition strategies ahead of 2026 election.
- Title: Election 2026 Powerbrokers Debate: NZ First, Greens, National…
- Summary: NZ First, Greens, National and Opportunity leaders debate coalition strategies ahead of 2026 election. Te Pāti Māori withdraws from debate after gang pad…
- Keywords: nz first, green party, opportunity, national, te pāti māori, mongrel mob, election 2026, powerbrokers debate, coalition, governance, politics, news
- Source: NZ Herald — https://nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/election-2026-act-nz-first-opportunity-and-the-green-party-to-face-off-in-herald-powerbrokers-debate/MRUWUQQPT5CHVHJO5HQUD6NKLM
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: nz first, green party, opportunity, national, te pāti māori, mongrel mob, election 2026, powerbrokers debate, coalition, governance, politics, news
## Powerbrokers Debate
The New Zealand Herald hosts its Powerbrokers’ debate examining issues, policies and potential coalition bedfellows for the 2026 election.
## Te Pāti Māori Withdraws
Te Pāti Māori co-leaders cannot attend tonight’s debate due to significant whānau and prior electorate commitments.
## Mongrel Mob Visit
Te Pāti Māori MP Oriini Kaipara met with Mongrel Mob members at a gang pad in Auckland, vowing to restore 'mana' to gang members.
## National's Response
National’s justice spokesman Paul Goldsmith called the footage 'outrageous' and stated National focuses on restoring mana to victims, not gangs.
## Labour's Stance
Labour leader Chris Hipkins ruled out Te Pāti Māori and Green Party from major ministerial roles if Labour forms a government.
## Green Party's Position
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson called her engagement with marginalised communities 'unapologetic' despite past meetings with Mongrel Mob.
## Act's Concern
Act deputy leader Nicole McKee cited the New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey showing 33% of Māori adults experienced at least one criminal offence in 2025.
## Green Party's Past Engagement
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick refused to comment on whether she would advise MP Lyndon against meeting with Mongrel Mob members.
## Labour's Policy
Labour leader Chris Hipkins stated his party would not support any rights for gangs or changes to the ban on gang patches.
## Te Pāti Māori Statement
Te Pāti Māori spokesperson said they remain focused on their people, kaupapa and strategy to change government directly to whānau and communities.
## Mongrel Mob Footage
Te Pāti Māori MP Oriini Kaipara told Mongrel Mob members they are tangata whenua, descendants of Toi, Kupe and Tupaia.
## Mongrel Mob Context
The Mongrel Mob is a gang that has been linked to criminal activity in Auckland, including violence and drug trafficking.
## Worm Feature
Online readers can rank each leader’s performance in real-time using the return of the 'worm' feature on the Herald’s live blog.
## Missed Debate
The previous leaders debate between Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins is available for those who missed it.
## Coalition Strategy
Polling shows National and Labour need coalition partners to govern in the 2026 election.
## Election Outcome
The debate aims to determine which parties will hold the balance of power and shape New Zealand’s next government.
## Key takeaway

Te Pāti Māori withdraws from debate after gang pad visit controversy, while Green Party co-leaders face questions on engagement with Mongrel Mob.