National, Act in position to govern: poll

WELLINGTON: A bump in support for Act New Zealand in a new poll has put National and Act in a position to form a government for the first time in a major poll since early 2020, while Labour’s support continues to slump.

The latest Taxpayers Union Curia poll has National on 36.8% (down 1 percentage point since the last poll in April) and Labour on 34.2% (down 2.6).

The poll had a bump for Act up to 10.9% (up 2.5) — perhaps helped by a patchy period for National and its leader, Christopher Luxon.

It is a warning to National that Act leader David Seymour remains a credible alternative for National voters.

The Green Party on was on 9.7% (up 0.3) and the Maori Party on 2.4% (down 1.2).

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern continues to slide as preferred prime minister — on 35.1% (down 1.2) — and National leader Christopher Luxon is on 27.9% (down 0.7).

Under the results, Act and National would get 61 seats in Parliament, just enough to the be able to form a government.

The Maori Party would no longer be the kingmaker after several recent polls — including Curia and Newshub ReidResearch polls — have had it with the balance of power.

It is the first time the centreright has polled well enough in a public poll since Simon Bridges was National Party leader in early 2020. Labour’s further drop in support shows how much work it has ahead of it to reclaim public support in the week in which it will deliver the Budget.

It has come under increasing pressure to try to address the cost of living strain on households, and in law and order.

The poll of 1000 eligible voters was taken from May 4 to May 11 and has a margin of error of +/ 3.1%. —