Peter Dunne: Political threat

The political commentariat was at its most skittish following the release of two public opinion polls last Monday.

The Taxpayers Union/Curia poll released in the morning projected a hung Parliament, with neither the centre-right nor the centre-left blocs able to claim a majority. That prospect excited much idle speculation for most of the day about what that eventuality could mean.

DTNZ: Taxpayers’ Union-Curia poll shows 2026 election deadlocked as Labour edges ahead of National

A new Taxpayers’ Union-Curia Poll suggests the 2026 general election could result in a hung Parliament, with both centre-left and centre-right blocs projected to win 61 seats each.

Conducted from 3–5 August amid economic concerns, the poll shows Labour overtaking National as the largest party, rising 2 points to 33.6 percent, while National falls 2.1 points to 31.8 percent.

Point of Order: New Zealand First Surge, National Regain Lead

The Taxpayers’ Union reports –

Good news for the Coalition as they extend their lead over the Centre-Left bloc this month, with National taking back the top spot from Labour in this month’s Taxpayers’ Union-Curia Poll.