NEWSHUB-REID RESEARCH POLL SHOWS GAP BETWEEN NATIONAL AND LABOUR TIGHTEST IN OVER TEN YEARS AHEAD OF TOMORROW'S LEADERS DEBATE

The latest Newshub-Reid research poll* shows that National has dropped to 43.3% - its lowest rating in over ten years. Meanwhile, Labour has again increased to sit on 39.4%, a push of 15.3% from four weeks ago. The gap of 3.9% between the two parties is the closest it has been since 2007 when Labour was still in power. It also sees New Zealand First and the Greens dropping as voters appear to focus in on the two major parties.

In what has been a significant turnaround over the past six weeks, English (30.1%) and Ardern (29.9%) are effectively tied for preferred Prime Minister.

Previous** poll results for preferred Prime Minister showed Ardern on 26.3% and English on 27.7%. This was a 17.6% increase for Ardern in comparison to Andrew Little who had 6.7%*** at the end of July.

Newshub political editor Patrick Gower said: “These results take us into the leaders debate tomorrow night and they show just how volatile the vote currently is. It is very telling that English and Ardern are neck-and-neck. This election is themed around leadership, making the head-to-head closer and therefore more important than ever before.”

Gower said: “Winston Peters remains the kingmaker - but in another sign of the volatility, a new potential governing arrangement is emerging: A Labour-Greens-Maori coalition is only a couple of seats off.

“Last week was the warm-up event ahead of tomorrow night's’ leaders debate on Three. Both leaders need to bring their personality, inspiration and their policy know-how because this will come down to the wire.”

Three’s leaders debate between Bill English and Jacinda Ardern will be live from 8.30PM, Monday, 4th September 2017.

The latest Newshub-Reid Research Poll was conducted between August 22nd - 30th, 2017. For full results please click here.

-ENDS-

*The latest Newshub-Reid Research poll was conducted between August 22nd - 30th, 2017. 1,000 people were surveyed, 750 by telephone and 250 by internet panel. It has a margin of error of 3.1 percent.

**The third Newshub-Reid Research poll was conducted 2-8 August 2017. 1,000 people were surveyed, 750 by telephone and 250 by internet panel. It has a margin of error of 3.1 percent.

***The second Newshub-Reid Research poll was conducted 20-28 July 2017. 1,000 people were surveyed, 750 by telephone and 250 by internet panel. It has a margin of error of 3.1 percent.

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