Hipkins Edges First New Zealand Election Debate

TVNZ leaders' debate: The worm returns in disguise

TVNZ uses an audience measurement tool reminiscent of the infamous worm to score the leaders' performances in the first televised leaders' debate.  Newsroom co-editor Mark Jennings was in the studio audience.

Hipkins edges first New Zealand election debate

The two candidates to be New Zealand's prime minister after the November 7 election have sparred on the cost of living, tax plans and more.

Who won the debate? Our experts pick which Chris came out on top

Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins have gone head-to-head in TVNZ’s first Leaders’ Debate. Our experts rate their performances - and crown a winner....

Luxon v Hipkins: Who won the first leaders’ debate?

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Election 2026 leaders' debate bingo (or drinking game if you like)

Ready your pencils – the first leaders' debate kicks off tonight at 7pm on TVNZ1.

Hipkins and Luxon clash in first leaders' debate

‘Up the Wahs’: From fireworks and the All Blacks to capital gains tax, TVNZ leaders’ debate sees Chris Hipkins and Christopher Luxon clash