Election 2026: Why questioning whether Christopher Luxon would resign rather than speak to Opportunity matters - Jamie Ensor

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Analysis

Analysis by

Jamie Ensor

Chief Political Reporter·NZ Herald·

21 Oct, 2026 03:23 AM6 mins to read

Jamie Ensor is the New Zealand Herald’s Chief Political Reporter in the Press Gallery, based at Parliament in Wellington.

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Christopher Luxon said National wouldn't do business with Opportunity, but won't stake his job on it. Photos / NZ Herald

THE FACTS

• Christopher Luxon in July ruled out National working with Opportunity, but has refused to stake his job on that commitment
• Recent polling shows the left and right blocs may need Opportunity to form a Government after the election
• Opportunity is polling around the 5% threshold necessary to enter Parliament.

When the sun rises on November 8, it may be Qiulae Wong calling the shots around Wellington.

Okay, that’s not a certainty, but it’s a possibility.

Regardless of what contributed to Opportunity’s rise – yes, the heightened media attention on a well-performing newcomer would have likely helped

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