---
title: "Poll Shows Opportunity Party Could Be Kingmaker in NZ Government"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/new-zealand-election-poll-opportunity-party-nz-first-brilr
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Politics
published: 2026-08-12T06:52:19.477Z
modified: 2026-08-12T09:30:07.167Z
language: en-IN
---

# Poll Shows Opportunity Party Could Be Kingmaker in NZ Government

A new poll indicates the Opportunity Party has reached 8% support, potentially entering Parliament for the first time. Their surge coincides with NZ First's decline amidst controversies involving its leader.

## Key takeaways

- The Opportunity Party has reached 8% in the latest 1News Verian poll, a significant rise and its highest support to date.
- This poll indicates the Opportunity Party could hold a decisive role in forming the next New Zealand government.
- NZ First's support has fallen to 8%, occurring amidst controversies involving its leader and a former candidate.
- If these results hold, the Opportunity Party would secure nine seats in Parliament.

## What Happened

The Opportunity Party has achieved 8% support in the latest 1News Verian poll, a three-point increase and a first-time crossing of the 5% threshold. This development places the party neck-and-neck with NZ First, which also registered 8% in the poll. The poll, conducted between August 8 and 11 with 847 voters, suggests that the Opportunity Party could hold a kingmaker position in forming the next government, potentially enabling a left-bloc coalition.

The poll results were released following a period of controversy for NZ First leader Winston Peters, including criticism from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for remarks that drew international condemnation and a diplomatic protest from China. Another NZ First candidate, Stuart Nash, also resigned due to controversy over his comments.

## Key Facts

- The Opportunity Party reached 8% support in the 1News Verian poll, up three points.

- NZ First also polled at 8%, down three points.

- Labour received 30% support, National 29%, the Greens 12%, and ACT 9%.

- The poll was conducted from August 8 to 11 with a sample size of 847 voters.

- On these numbers, the Opportunity Party would gain nine seats in Parliament.

## Background

The Opportunity Party has contested elections since 2017 but has not previously crossed the 5% threshold required to enter Parliament. NZ First's recent difficulties include its leader Winston Peters facing criticism for remarks made in Parliament and a former candidate's resignation over controversial comments.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/new-zealand-election-poll-opportunity-party-nz-first-brilr
Reported from: Multiple Sources