New Zealand’s centrist kingmaker says populism failing voters worldwide

Qiulae Wong, leader of New Zealand’s Opportunity Party, says voters are turning towards pragmatic politics after her party won a record result in last week’s election. With neither major party clearly able to govern alone, Opportunity could influence the formation of the next government.

Preliminary results give Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s National Party the most seats and a possible slim majority with its coalition partners, though final votes are due on 27 November. Wong says she is willing to work with the largest party, but insists climate action, the cost of living and cleaning up politics are non-negotiable priorities.