Hipkins edges Luxon in the first leaders' debate as cost of living, trust and racism dominate
The first TVNZ leaders' debate between Chris Hipkins and Christopher Luxon took place on Tuesday 6 October (1News, The Spinoff). The 90-minute event was moderated by Jack Tame. The leaders clashed over cost of living, trust and racism. A studio panel of undecided voters favoured Hipkins 49% to 24%, which 1News said was not a scientific result.
Debates are the leaders' main chance to speak to voters directly.
Watching the replay is quicker than reading verdicts, and will show you the exchanges on cost of living.
Commentators who gave Hipkins the win said he was more prepared on detail.
Luxon's side said the panel was a small studio sample and that Labour's promises remain unfunded.
Neither leader broke through, according to the commentary. The next test is the NZME debate on Wednesday and the People's Debate on 5 November.
DailyDrop New Zealand edition No. 3 · Morning · WED., OCT. 7, 2026