The latest RNZ-Reid Research poll results, if replicated on polling day, would return the coalition government to power with a narrow majority of 61 seats. Photo: RNZNew Zealand First has climbed into third place in the latest RNZ poll, recording its strongest result in the Reid Research series in more than eight years. The RNZ-Reid Research poll, published Tuesday, also showed NZ First's Winston Peters leaping up the preferred prime minister ranks, closing the gap on the Labour and National leaders. Labour remained out in front on 35%, up 0.7 points since September, while National slipped to 31.9%, down 0.6. ACT leader David Seymour told RNZ his party started election year in a "very comfortable position" and he intended to build on it.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 26, 2026 18:36 UTC