Election 2026: What are your reactions to the 2026 election results? Our reader comments are open

We invite our readers to react to the election results in the comments section at the bottom of this file.

What do the results mean for you, your community and the nation? Are you surprised, reassured or frustrated?

We encourage debate but please keep the comments respectful.

When you submit a comment tonight, it will be sent to a moderator to review. Comments will not be published if they are judged to have violated our House Rules, which is at the discretion of the moderator.

Commenters must do so under their real names - no nicknames will be accepted. This is to encourage authentic, on-topic debate. We encourage thoughtful, insightful debate - the best comments bring fresh ideas and perspectives. Humour is good. Be concise.

A commenter that repeatedly violates the rules may have their account suspended. If you believe a comment has been rejected in error, email newsdesk@nzherald.co.nz and we’ll investigate.

After 7pm on election night, the Electoral Commission will publish preliminary results for each party and electorate candidate.

The preliminary results give an early idea of how parties and candidates have fared before the final count is complete. Follow breaking developments on our election live blog.