Election 2026: The four reasons that make this contest so gripping

Opinion bySenior Political Correspondent·NZ Herald·2 Sep, 2026 03:27 AM8 mins to readAudrey Young, Senior Political Correspondent at the New Zealand Herald based at Parliament, specialises in writing about politics and power.‌Christopher Luxon (centre) with David Seymour (left) and Winston Peters on their way to sign their coalition agreements in 2023. Photo / Mark MitchellEvery election is unique but there are four factors that make the 2026 election one of the most gripping for many years, besides it being too close to call. Those factors are the sub-contest within the three parties of Government; the possibility of a new party getting over 5% without