Who Will Work With Whom? A Guide to Coalition Red Lines Ahead of the New Zealand Election

Published 2026-10-30

Ahead of the New Zealand election, political parties have made clear which partners they will and will not work with after the vote. Under New Zealand's Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) system, no single party usually wins a majority of seats in Parliament. This means that parties often need to form a coalition, or work with other parties, to govern. Knowing which parties have ruled out working together helps voters understand what might happen after election day.

Labour, led by Chris Hipkins, has ruled out working with the National Party, ACT, and New Zealand First. This is the same position that these parties have taken towards Labour. The current government is made up of National, ACT and New Zealand First, so Labour's decision means that a continued arrangement with these three parties is not possible if Labour wins enough support to lead a government. Labour has a long history of opposing these parties on many issues, and this has shaped its position in the campaign.

The red lines of other parties are also important for voters to understand. Each party has set out its own conditions for future deals, and these conditions can change how easily a new government can be formed. Some parties may be willing to join a coalition with certain partners but not with others, while some have been more flexible. Because these positions can change quickly during campaigns, readers are encouraged to check each party's latest statements before making their decision.

In short, the coalition red lines show how the election could affect the future of New Zealand's government. With several parties ruling out key partners, the result on election day may decide not only who wins the most votes, but also which parties are able to work together in Parliament.

Sources: 1News

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