Election night 2026 in photos

Photographers from RNZ and our partners were out on election night, taking in all the drama, ups and downs and key moments.It was a night that ended with no clear winner, but plenty of career-ending results and the rise of a new party crossing the threshold to make it into Parliament for the first time.A rainbow emerges from the storm clouds over Eden Park, where Opportunity celebrated reaching Parliament for the first time.RNZ / Louis DunhamRNZ's Wallace Chapman and Jesse Mulligan at an election party at Open Coffee on Karangahape Road, Auckland.Kathrin Goldsworthy / RNZOpportunity candidate Blair Smith in his teal suit, with supporters. Smith has had to contend with a broken leg during the latter stages of the campaign.Kate Newton / RNZEarly in the night at the ACT Party election HQ in Auckland's Precinct Flex.Ella StewartAn ominously empty room at the Viaduct Events Centre ahead of National's election night party.RNZ / Nathan McKinnonChristchurch central candidate George Hampton arrived in a customised ice cream truck to serve scoops to Labour volunteers.Keiller MacDuff / RNZLabour Party Christchurch HQ at the Richmond Social Club.Keiller MacDuffEarly supporters gathered at the Greens' election night HQ at St-Matthew-in-the-City Church in Auckland.Cole Eastham-FarrellyTe Pātai Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer takes to the stage to join Pātea Māori Club for their signature tune 'Poi E!'.Robin MartinSpirits are still high and the dancing's started at the Greens' Te Tai Tokerau HQ.Peter de GraafThe Greens' Tamatha Paul switches her heels for crocs, preparing for a long night watching the polls.Sammy CarterLabour's Helen White.Finn Blackwell / RNZDrag performers take the stage to 'Survivor' at the Greens' Wellington HQ.Sammy CarterGreens co-leaders Marama Davidson and Chlöe Swarbrick.Kim Baker WilsonLabour's Kharag Singh with his supporters as they have dinner.Blessen Tom / RNZDavid Seymour arrives at the ACT HQ to deliver his speech.Baz Macdonald / RNZChlöe Swarbrick with a supporter.Kim Baker Wilson / RNZGreen Party candidate for Te Tai Tokerau Hūhana Lyndon takes a turn on the decks.Peter de GraafOpportunity Party leader Qiulae Wong arrives at the Opportunity Party's election night event.Phil WalterLabour's Ginny Anderson, who appears to have knocked National's Chris Bishop out of Parliament.Samuel RillstoneNational's Carlos Cheung celebrates an early lead over Labour's Michael Wood.Liu ChenChris Bishop keeps a close eye on the numbers.Kate GreenHigh-ranking National MPs Paul Goldsmith and Nicola Willis speak to media, as it becomes clear they're probably losing their jobs.Edward GayNational MP Grant McCallum said he was humbled by the support as Northland voters returned him to Parliament.RNZ / Peter de GraafLabour's Priyanca Radhakrishnan said there was "hope in the air" as the results come in.Blessen Tom / RNZHana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke delivers her victory speech after taking Hauraki-Waikato comfortably.Coco LanceACT supporters watch their own candidate Paul Henry on TVNZ's coverage of the night.Baz MacdonaldTe Pāti Māori co leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer speaks to supporters as the evening wraps up in Hāwera and join in one last waiata.Robin Martin / RNZNational's Matt Doocey being interviewed by his nephew, while his son operates the camera.Tim Brown / RNZPaul Goldsmith and Nicola Willis, likely without jobs as ministers soon, address the media.Fiona GoodallLabour leader Chris Hipkins speaks as the results come in.Samuel RillstonChristopher Luxon and wife Amanda arrive at the National Party election HQ.Getty ImagesNational leader Christopher Luxon and his family on election night.RNZ / Nathan McKinnonRicardo Menéndez March speaks to Green supporters.RNZ / Cole Eastham-FarrellyGerry Brownlee, one of several high-profle National MPs that might have lost their jobs, appears on TV.screenshot / TVNZ 1 NewsMahesh Muralidhar is set to become the National Party's first Indian MP to win an electorate seat, Tāmaki.RNZ / Blessen TomNational Party leader Christopher Luxon (R) greets a supporter as he arrives at the National Party 2026 election night event at the Viaduct Events Centre.MICHAEL BRADLEY / AFPChristopher Luxon embraces Paul Goldsmith, the latter likely out of Parliament on the night's results.Craig McCulloch.Tamahou Thoms mihis new Te Tai Tonga MP Mananui Ramsden.Keiller MacDuff / RNZNational Party MP Erica Stanford (R) arrives at the National Party 2026 Election Night event at the Viaduct Events CentreMICHAEL BRADLEY / AFP[picture id="4JFI0LQ_Image_13_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]Nathan McKinnon / RNZThe Luxons wave to supporters on election night 2026.RNZ / Craig McCulloch.National Party leader Christopher Luxon applauds supporters at the National Party 2026 election night event at the Viaduct Events Centre.MICHAEL BRADLEY / AFP