New Poll Shows Record Low Approval Ratings For Luxon And Hipkins
More than half of New Zealand voters now disapprove of Christopher Luxon’s performance as Prime Minister, driving his approval rating to its lowest point of the current parliamentary term, according to the latest 1News Verian poll. The survey, conducted via mobile phone and online panels between September 23 and September 27, 2026, shows that roughly a third of voters approve of Luxon, while 55 percent disapprove, leaving him with a net approval rating of minus 23.
Opposition Leadership Standing Drops
Labour leader Chris Hipkins trails with similar voter fatigue, recording his own worst performance figures of the term. Approximately 34 percent of surveyed voters approve of Hipkins, while 49 percent disapprove, placing his net rating at minus 15. Campaigning in the Wellington suburb of Tawa following the release of the poll numbers, Luxon rejected potential coalition dynamics floated by opposition parties.
Coalition Demands Spark Friction
Luxon criticized Green co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick after she stated her party’s ambition to hold the finance portfolio following a strong poll result. Luxon told supporters that a potential Labour and Green arrangement relying on two additional parties with Swarbrick as finance minister would result in increased spending, taxation, and borrowing.
Labour leadership also distanced itself from the Greens’ ministerial ambitions. When asked about Swarbrick’s qualifications for the finance portfolio, Hipkins rejected the scenario outright. Barbara Edmonds will serve as finance minister in a Labour-led government, Hipkins said, describing the arrangement as a finalized and non-negotiable position.
Campaign Strategy Amid Poll Results
Hipkins urged caution regarding electoral projections based on individual polling figures. No one should measure the Beehive for new curtains yet because significant campaigning remains ahead, Hipkins stated. He added that political entities should concentrate on earning voter trust rather than assigning ministerial positions prior to an election.