Articles from ‘elocal magazine’ in ‘Election’

Christopher Luxon's hour-long meeting with Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong has opened a potentially decisive new avenue for forming New Zealand's next government. With special votes still outstanding, Opportunity's seven seats could provide the National-led bloc with a substantial parliamentary safety margin. But the party's emergence raises another question: was Opportunity's success simply an unexpected electoral breakthrough, or did political…

In an exclusive eLocal Conversations interview, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters speaks with eLocal founder Mykeljon Winckel about rebuilding the New Zealand economy, establishing a sovereign wealth fund, restoring control over banking and energy, reforming Treaty institutions and putting New Zealanders at the centre of national decision-making. Making NZ FIRST a REALITY · Winston Peters on Sovereignty, Prosperity and New Zealand's…

An election advertising campaign accusing Labour and the Greens of backing gangs has ignited a political confrontation involving the Sensible Sentencing Trust, the Green Party, the Taxpayers' Union and a political advertising company. Behind the dispute lies a more substantial question: how should political parties engage with gang-affiliated communities while remaining accountable to victims of gang violence? The controversy also raises…

For generations, New Zealand has struggled with weak productivity growth, dependence on overseas capital and the challenge of funding the infrastructure and industries needed for lasting prosperity. New Zealand First's latest policy proposes a different economic pathway: discover the nation's resource potential, capture substantial public revenue from its development, and turn that income into enduring national wealth capable of helping build…

As election campaigning focuses on personalities, polling and promises, The Facts Machine is challenging voters to examine measurable results. Its ten leading voter issues provide a starting point for testing what successive governments have delivered and what the next government must improve. Report by eLocal · The central question is not simply which political party promises the most. It is which policies can demonstrably improve the lives of…

Christopher Luxon has unveiled a 26-point programme for the first 100 days of a re-elected National-led government, promising action on household costs, public services, criminal justice and economic growth. But behind the headlines lies a critical distinction between passing laws, announcing investigations and delivering measurable improvements in the lives of ordinary New Zealanders. Report by eLocal | 25 October 2026 · A Plan for…

Photographs of Green Party and Te Pāti Māori politicians meeting Mongrel Mob members have triggered a national political dispute just weeks before the general election. Beyond the photographs lies a more consequential question: how should elected representatives engage with organised criminal groups without compromising accountability to their victims? Report by eLocal · A Political Meeting That Demands Closer Examination · On 14 October 2026,…

Labour has entered the 2026 election campaign promising restrictions on social media access for children under 16, a new digital regulator and stronger controls over technology companies. The proposal raises legitimate questions about protecting young people, but also about whether blanket restrictions can work without imposing new identification requirements and privacy risks on everyone. Report by eLocal · A Promise Made During an Election…

Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins both defended their honesty during the latest leaders' debate, yet independent fact-checking exposed inaccurate and misleading claims from both sides. Beyond the political exchanges lies a larger question: after decades of promises, are New Zealanders being offered credible mechanisms for rebuilding national prosperity, or simply competing explanations for why the economy has failed to deliver? Report by…

Classically trained musician, former teacher and government adviser Emma Chatterton joins Mykeljon Winckel for a wide-ranging eLocal Conversation about the experiences shaping her approach to politics. As she seeks to succeed Judith Collins in Papakura, the discussion explores her personal journey, her ambitions for a rapidly growing electorate and the questions facing New Zealand's next generation Report by eLocal | eLocal Conversations | 16…