Luxon vs Hipkins: Who Won the TVNZ Leaders’ Debate?

Who won the first TVNZ leaders’ debate of 2026? Martyn “Bomber” Bradbury breaks down Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins’ performances with Willie Jackson, Sandra Grey and Sean Plunket.

Then Matthew Tukaki, Dr Harpreet Singh and John Tamihere join the political panel to debate the strongest exchanges, the questions left unanswered and whether either leader gave undecided voters a reason to back them.

What could the debate mean for National, Labour and the 2026 New Zealand election?

The debate is over. The argument starts here.

Recorded live on Tuesday 6 October 2026.

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