National-Led Bloc Holds 67 of 131 NZ Seats as 14% of Votes Remain Uncounted
Updated
Updated · Reuters · Nov 7
National-Led Bloc Holds 67 of 131 NZ Seats as 14% of Votes Remain Uncounted
3 articles · Updated · Reuters · Nov 7
Summary
67 seats for National, ACT and New Zealand First put the coalition just above the 66 needed for a majority in the projected 131-seat parliament, but the preliminary count still leaves the next government uncertain.
About 14% of ballots — mainly special votes from overseas and out-of-electorate voters — will not be counted until November 27, and those votes have historically leaned left.
Christopher Luxon and Labour leader Chris Hipkins both stopped short of claiming victory, while the incumbent government remains in caretaker mode until the official count is completed.
The Opportunity Party could become pivotal if the coalition loses its majority; Luxon has ruled out working with it, though National campaign chair Simeon Brown did not.
Both National and Labour fell below 30% of the party vote, their weakest combined showing since MMP began in 1996, underscoring a fragmented electorate and debate over the system's proportionality.