NZ Poll: Opportunity Party in kingmaker position as leader approval slumps

New Zealand's political landscape could be significantly reshaped as the Opportunity Party, led by Quilae Wong, has crossed the 5% support threshold for the first time in the latest RNZ-Reid Research poll. This development positions the party as a potential 'kingmaker' in the upcoming government formation.

The poll indicates that neither the current governing coalition nor the opposition bloc commands sufficient seats to form a majority government independently. Consequently, the Opportunity Party's support will be crucial for either side to secure the numbers needed to govern.

This surge in support for the Opportunity Party, reaching a new high in this particular poll, suggests a potential shift in voter sentiment and could influence the final election outcome. The party's ability to hold the balance of power will be a key focus in the lead-up to any potential coalition negotiations.