Election Night 2020

Written By: - Date published: 7:06 pm, October 17th, 2020 - 190 comments
Categories: election 2020 - Tags:

This post for general discussion about election results. There are also posts on Key Electorates, and Natwatch.

Electoral Commission Election Results

Preliminary General Election results will be available here progressively from 7.00pm on election night.

Targets for release of the preliminary General Election results are:

  • 10:00pm results from 50% of voting places
  • 11:30pm results from 95% of voting places

Referendum votes will not be counted on election night. Preliminary results for the referendums will be available on Friday 30 October 2020.

The Electoral Commission will have the official results for the 2020 General Election and referendums published here on Friday 6 November 2020.

What about advance votes? Newsroom,

As of Thursday, 1.74 million advance votes had been filed – two-thirds of the total 2017 vote count. That number is likely to rise by about 100,000 once results for Friday are added in. While these votes can’t be counted before election day, they aren’t restricted by the same rules as regular ballots and counting for them can begin at 9am on Saturday, October 17. Last election, the Electoral Commission hoped to have all advance votes counted by 8.30pm but it hasn’t set a goal for itself this time – perhaps due to the large number of advance votes.

Māori TV

RNZ and RNZ on youtube

The Spinoff

The Spinoff’s guide to watching election night (and the morning after)

The Spinoff’s Election night drinking game/Bingo

Newsroom

TVNZ (Barry, Campbell and Dallow) and TVNZ on youtube

TVNZ results page.

Twitter:

#NZElection2020 and #nzpol

#NZhellhole

190 comments on “Election Night 2020 ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. roblogic 1
    17 October 2020 at 7:10 pm

    Loving percentages with early counting
    Lab 51%
    Nat 26%

  2. observer 2
    17 October 2020 at 7:15 pm

    Over-excited TV people after 1% of the vote. It means nothing (New Conservatives were ahead in one electorate, with a dozen votes somewhere! Means nothing yet).

  3. observer 3
    17 October 2020 at 7:25 pm

    Vote counting is well advanced in Nelson … check it out

    https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electorate-details-27.html

  4. The Al1en 4
    17 October 2020 at 7:25 pm

    Swarbrick ahead in Auk central with 10% counted

    Finding this results page on tvnz as being quite good.
    You can select every seat from the drop down and see the results so far, plus you can refresh it. Better than the talking heads on tv.

    https://www.tvnz.co.nz/electionresults

  5. Pat 5
    17 October 2020 at 7:34 pm

    Rangitata looking like going to Labour….best get defibrillators ready.

  6. joe90 6
    17 October 2020 at 7:35 pm

    Early days or not, this will hurt.

    Rangitata – Preliminary Count

    Electorate No. 40 – 29 of 87 results counted

    VOTES COUNTED:

    26,430

    33.3%

    LEADING CANDIDATE:LUXTON, Jo13,959
    2nd CANDIDATE:HANDS, Megan9,738

    CURRENT MARGIN:
    4,221

    PARTY VOTE LEAD:Labour Party51.9%
    2nd PARTY:National Party29.6%

    https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electorate-details-40.html

  7. The Al1en 7
    17 October 2020 at 7:42 pm

    See ya, Shane 😆

  9. iwantapony 9
    17 October 2020 at 7:49 pm

    Seems fitting to leave my first comment tonight, after 3+ years of being a quiet yet avid reader of the standard. A very big thank you to you all (OK most) for your time in sharing your perspectives, concerns & humour* – it has cemented my unexpected interest in politics (and the well being of Aotearoa). Refreshing, after growing up & leaving a National stronghold, and belonging to a beloved family of blue sheep. Thank you.

    *tried to word this in the least patronising way possible.

  10. swordfish 10
    17 October 2020 at 7:49 pm

    .
    So … with 14.9% counted nationwide.

    Lab 50.3%

    Nat 26.0%

    Green 8.0%

    ACT 7.7%

    NZF 2.3%

    • lurgee 10.1
      17 October 2020 at 7:55 pm

      "I always said the National leader had to get 25% … you just misheard me and thought I said 35% …"

      – Judith Collins

  11. observer 11
    17 October 2020 at 7:50 pm

    David Seymour on TV "I want to thank the people of NZ".

    As do I, David! You clueless idiot.

  14. lurgee 14
    17 October 2020 at 7:56 pm

    Collins only 300 ahead in Papakura … oh, please !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  15. UncookedSelachimorpha 15
    17 October 2020 at 8:00 pm

    Don't want to spruik the opposition, but it is quite enjoyable glancing at kiwiblog tonight… Got to gloat sometimes

  16. gsays 16
    17 October 2020 at 8:01 pm

    Brownlee looking like not getting back in Ilam.

    Looks like the electorate is doing the pruning for the Nats that they desperately need.

    • Anthony Rimell 16.1
      18 October 2020 at 12:27 am

      Gerry conceded to Sarah Pallett late in the evening. Such a wonderful moment! The traditionally blue Ilam is now red (and we swept the party vote too!)

  17. gsays 17
    17 October 2020 at 8:09 pm

    Rangitikei, a very rural electorate, @ 12% counted, the incumbent McKelvie (N) is behind Soraya Peke-Mason (L).

  18. observer 18
    17 October 2020 at 8:09 pm

    One enjoyable outcome is going to be the Nats (list or electorate) sweating on specials from a "safe" seat. They'll probably survive, but they wouldn't have been expecting to have such a nervous fortnight.

    So National can't pick a new leader, they won't know who's in the caucus!

  19. swordfish 19
    17 October 2020 at 8:09 pm

    Blimey ! …. Labour blitzing Nats by 9 points (Party-Vote) in True Blue Taranaki-King Country

    Lab + Green currently more than 600 Party-Votes ahead of Nat + ACT in this Blue as a New Tattoo Seat.

    Dairy farmers have gone Hippie … All Peace & Love.

    • swordfish 19.1
      17 October 2020 at 8:31 pm

      Lab 6 points ahead in True Blue Bay of Plenty (Party-Vote) … Lab + Green slightly ahead of Nat + ACT.

    • Graeme 19.2
      17 October 2020 at 8:36 pm

      Same thing in Southland, Labour leading party vote by 11 points with 30% counted.

      And same margin for Lab + Grn vs Nat + Act

      Strange days indeed.

  20. Ovid 20
    17 October 2020 at 8:10 pm

    Crikey what a night.

  21. RedBaronCV 21
    17 October 2020 at 8:14 pm

    Labour + Greens are out polling Nat + Act in Selwyn
    37.8% counted

  22. observer 22
    17 October 2020 at 8:14 pm

    Labour are winning too many electorates, they are saving the Nats on the list! wink

  23. r0b 23
    17 October 2020 at 8:22 pm

    And it was good.

  24. swordfish 24
    17 October 2020 at 8:23 pm

    .
    You've all relentlessly been taking the piss out of Judith … & now she's thoroughly redeemed herself … I hope you'll all be eating humble pie.

    • Draco T Bastard 24.1
      17 October 2020 at 9:59 pm

      I'm wondering if she's going to try and persuade the National Party caucus that 35 seats is really 35% of the vote.

  25. WeTheBleeple 25
    17 October 2020 at 8:23 pm

    Am I less of a person for laughing loudly as I see rural communities shift red.

    Is it schadenfreude or a lack of moral character that made me snort my tea when Nikki Kaye got interrupted "sorry Nikki there's a lot going on right now" and they switch to Clarke with a tray of snacks.

    Hahahahaha!

  26. The Al1en 26
    17 October 2020 at 8:26 pm

    Mightily impressed with the green vote. 8%+ is a good result at the best of times, but with labour on half the total, that's huge for them.

    • weka 26.1
      17 October 2020 at 8:30 pm

      I'm so happy for them.

    • lurgee 26.2
      17 October 2020 at 8:31 pm

      Especially after reading a petulant comment from Farrar about how they always under perform their polling.

      I am loving that the Dirty Politics crowd finally got the leader they wanted … and they've been steamrollered by the politician Collins used to sneeringly refer to as 'My Little Pony.'

      • The Al1en 26.2.1
        17 October 2020 at 8:33 pm

        Well that myth has now been rewritten.

      • swordfish 26.2.2
        17 October 2020 at 8:41 pm

        That notion of Green under-performance is part Myth / part Kernel of Truth.

        The Greens do usually underperform on their (temporarily inflated) Poll ratings during the final 3 weeks of the Election Campaign … but more often than not they do a little better than their poll ratings 3, 4 , 5. 6 months out from the Election.

        • lurgee 26.2.2.1
          17 October 2020 at 8:53 pm

          It was the petulance of Farrar's comment on Kiwiblog that struck me. He obviously knew that National were going to get a hiding. A confident commentator boosting for a big party isn't going to waste his time in childish snarks at the Greens.

      • observer 26.2.3
        17 October 2020 at 9:03 pm

        I am loving that the Dirty Politics crowd finally got the leader they wanted … and they've been steamrollered by the politician Collins used to sneeringly refer to as 'My Little Pony.'

        Yes. So much rubbish has been squashed tonight. Judith so tough, a fighter, a winner, just give her the chance, blah blah … as seen in a hundred columns in the past decade.

        She and her A-team (Hamish Price?) are killing the careers of countless National MPs.

  27. lurgee 27
    17 October 2020 at 8:28 pm

    From stuff: "We've had word that National leader Judith Collins will hold a speech at around 9pm but will not be holding a press conference afterwards."

    Wahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  28. millsy 28
    17 October 2020 at 8:35 pm

    Second October Revolution.

  29. gingercrush 29
    17 October 2020 at 8:41 pm

    Labour leads National in every electorate except for Papakura. Dreadful.

    OK currently Nats lead in Epsom too. So 2 electorates at this stage.

  30. lurgee 30
    17 October 2020 at 8:41 pm

    Have Labour stolen more National votes than ACT has?

  31. Stuart Munro 31
    17 October 2020 at 8:47 pm

    Any word on Bishop's fortunes?

  32. swordfish 32
    17 October 2020 at 8:47 pm

    Nats 3rd in the Party-Vote in Auckland Central (that sort of thing only used to happen in Aro Valley).

  33. lurgee 33
    17 October 2020 at 8:47 pm

    Worth noting that Mark Mitchell – if he is the next Nat leader – is very linked to Simon Lusk, Cameron Slater and the Dirty Politics crowd. They got him into politics. He owes them, they own him. Swapping like for like.

  34. gingercrush 34
    17 October 2020 at 8:49 pm

    National typically loses 1% after specials and with such a landslide result likely more this time. So National could well end up with 23% or so.

  35. Zuszsa 35
    17 October 2020 at 8:49 pm

    What I'm especially enjoying….

    See ya later Nick Smith

    Barbara clenching her buttocks in Taranaki

    Ilam!!! Gerry losing his seat would be the icing on the cake

  36. lurgee 36
    17 October 2020 at 8:50 pm

    Reti in trouble …

    "With about 20 per cent of the vote counted in Whangārei, Labour's Emily Henderson is ahead of National's Shane 'Dr Shane' Reti by about 600 votes. It's not a huge lead so far – but it's already a massive turnaround from 2017, when Reti garnered 18,734 votes to Labour's 7,767."

  37. RedBaronCV 37
    17 October 2020 at 8:53 pm

    Mt Albert party votes 35.1% counted 71% labour and greens

  38. Editractor 38
    17 October 2020 at 8:57 pm

    James Shaw commenting that the Green Party is the first NZ support party to improve their number of MPs after being in government.
    I guess they did their jobs.

  39. Anker 39
    17 October 2020 at 9:01 pm
    • This is better than expected.

    very pleased for the Greens. Overjoyed for my team, team labour. Labour worked so very hard for us to make this the best country to be living in in this ghastly pandemic.

    Jacinda Ardern greatest leader in the world. Ever

    • gsays 40.1
      17 October 2020 at 9:08 pm

      Highlight for me tonight, is the strength of the vote for the Greens.

      • Descendant Of Smith 40.1.1
        17 October 2020 at 9:17 pm

        Some of that support is likely to be Labour voters ensuring the Greens are there as a coalition option. I think they need to be careful about assuming it is all direct support.

        • Herodotus 40.1.1.1
          17 October 2020 at 9:42 pm

          That is should Labour decide to have a partner when not needed. 50+% with 3-6% wasted all you need is 47% to govern alone. It's not 2008 when National swallowed a few rats to keep Act happy – even though they may have agreed (reluctantly ) to some of Acts policies unofficially. Then chuck in perhaps 1 Māori seat

          • Descendant Of Smith 40.1.1.1.1
            17 October 2020 at 9:48 pm

            Definitely agree. But pre-election polling had Labour less than 50% so it was highly possible they would need a partner. I know Labour people who voted strategically for the Greens and even on these forums people were saying that they were going to do that.

            I would hope that even if the final result they could govern alone that they would still form a coalition. You may need friends later on – particularly as New Zealand's demographics continue to change.

            The baby boomers are starting to reduce and will have less influence each election from now on.

        • weka 40.1.1.2
          17 October 2020 at 10:22 pm

          "Some of that support is likely to be Labour voters ensuring the Greens are there as a coalition option. I think they need to be careful about assuming it is all direct support."

          Or, it's the GP voters that went to Lab in 2017 and have now gone back to the Greens.

          • Descendant Of Smith 40.1.1.2.1
            17 October 2020 at 10:52 pm

            Probably some of that as well.

            I continued to vote Green myself as I have for a while now – both on conservation and welfare but as I mentioned above I know long time Labour voters who voted strategically for the Greens following their low polling knowing that it was possible Labour might need a coalition partner..

  41. swordfish 41
    17 October 2020 at 9:05 pm

    .

    Unless things change dramatically (highly unlikely) looks like it's gonna be a bad night for Colmar Brunton & Reid Research too.

    Final Polls

    …………. Lab ….. Nat

    CB ……. 46.0 … 31.0

    RR ……. 45.8 …. 31.1

    UMR …. 50.0 …. 29.0

    RM ……. 47.5 …. 28.5

    Current Results

    Lab … 50.3 …. Nat …. 26.0

    Labour's Pollster looking better than the others.

    • Incognito 41.1
      17 October 2020 at 9:11 pm

      Now we know for certain why those internal polls were never shared with National Party caucus, they were more accurate 😉

    • Treetop 41.2
      17 October 2020 at 9:29 pm

      The fall of the rural farming seats are stark e.g Rangitikei could fall.

      • swordfish 41.2.1
        17 October 2020 at 11:00 pm

        The farmers swinging to ACT … The Townies swinging to Labour, I'll be bound.

        Easy to overestimate the % of Farmers in Rural Seats … always far more townies than a lot of pundits realise.

  42. swordfish 42
    17 October 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Looks like the Nats may have suffered a somewhat milder version of 2002's last minute Death Spiral … except this time the swing was to Labour rather than NZF, UF, ACT.

    (Most Nat-to-ACT swingers had obviously already decided weeks ago … I'm speculating that the last minute swing from pragmatic Nats was to Labour … with a view to either keeping the Greens out of Govt or, at the very least, disempowering them in Govt).

  43. Pat 43
    17 October 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Maori Party may gain a seat…Tamati Coffey in tight race

    https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electorate-details-72.html

  44. observer 44
    17 October 2020 at 9:16 pm

    Clicking around the channels and so far every Nat talking head (MP or ex) is sticking to the same tired line … it was the PM's free media coverage, it was so unfair, wah wah.

    As opposed to all National's free media coverage thanks to Boag, Walker, Woodhouse, Falloon, Collins, Brownlee, Muller, Bridges … and every other fuck-up. Because Jacinda made them do it?

    They can stay in denial as long as they want. Idiots.

    • PaddyOT 44.1
      18 October 2020 at 3:13 am

      Agree there Observer, pissed off with snide media comments that it was all really Jacinda's win. That's an insult to kiwis whose votes were not mere personality votes but are intelligent and hopeful people seeking a real seachange. I believe the election result reflects the same increasing loud calls globally for greenness and justice.

      I see it as a massive No to oppressive leaders and their regimes. The right wing should take responsibility for the loss and say it was the fault of that bloodymindednasty Judith Trump and NatZ's musty-old crusties shocking support for the 1% capitalist bastards. Chris Bishop in late night interview almost gave away the idea that they're going to rolypoly someone out and down Parliament's steps.
      Diversity and democracy the NZ winners on the night !

  45. Koff 45
    17 October 2020 at 9:18 pm

    Bugger! Miles from anywhere and no champagne!

    • RedLogix 45.1
      18 October 2020 at 12:07 am

      Same here Koff. Tied up next to a bulker at anchor in a 4 – 5m swell, two diesel engines running next to me and a greasy deck. Kind of surreal looking at my little cellphone and seeing these results.

      Ardern understood where NZ votes are in these hugely uncertain times, in the moderate centre. Well done and congratulations scarcely covers it, a true once in a generation overtopping landslide.

      Well this is the night a whole generation of left supporting people have dreamed of most of their adult lives, short of Clark's win in 1999.

      Really interesting is ACT's revival from the dead to match the Greens. A strongly ethnic vote I'd wager.

      And a final farewell to many people who served and contributed much to NZ political life, some for many decades. Our system depends on your willingness to face an uncertain fate at the pen of the voters every three years, and I salute your participation when at heart courageous and dignified.

  46. Anker 46
    17 October 2020 at 9:25 pm
    • Agree Observer.
    • this is a wonderful night
  47. Ovid 47
    17 October 2020 at 9:30 pm

    The last time I felt like this on election night was 2005. Remember in 2017 we were wondering which way Winston will go.

  48. RedBaronCV 48
    17 October 2020 at 9:32 pm

    Do all the early votes get added on at once or just electorate by electorate as they are counted? Are they in the the figures yet?

  49. Macro 49
    17 October 2020 at 9:34 pm

    Over half the votes counted. Electoral Commission meet their 50% target with 1/2 hour to spare. This has been a remarkably efficient run election.

    They are to be commended.

    • Macro 49.1
      17 October 2020 at 11:19 pm

      1/4 of an hour to go and 95% target reached. Impressive work.

      When we compare this to the train wreck in the US we can place trust in our democracy – such is not the case there.

  50. observer 50
    17 October 2020 at 9:40 pm

    Based on the official site numbers … it looks like Labour were over 50% on advance votes, but now below 50% on today's votes. So the overall number is dropping slightly, though not to put Labour's overall majority at risk.

    • swordfish 50.1
      17 October 2020 at 9:47 pm

      Yep … as the Election Day votes come in … Labour & the Greens slowly dropping … Nats & ACT slowly creeping up.

      But then Specials will no doubt move things back in a Leftward direction in a few weeks time.

  51. greywarshark 51
    17 October 2020 at 9:43 pm

    This explanation about the Epsom safe seat for Act in 2017 by NZ Herald is well put. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/election-results-2020-the-key-election-seats-latest-updates-on-the-electorates-that-might-change-hands/VXYQN4P6IA6Z7AVS7YANVMTM2I/

    The only other party that won a seat was Act in Epsom, thanks to a longstanding sweetheart deal with National designed to make sure that Act votes were not wasted in years when the party fell below the 5 per cent threshold for list seats.

    At the moment it appears that Chloe Swarbrick may get an electorate seat in Auckland Central – the voting is very even. The Electoral Commission site has shown one electorate to the Greens in their Projected figures.

  52. SPC 52
    17 October 2020 at 9:50 pm

    The votes on the day are closer than the early votes, so this will tighten up a little.

    It looks like 47.5 Labour 28.5 National in the end (the 50-25 is the early voting – on the day apparently it was more like 43 to 31 as per DPF twitter).

    National may win some of the electorates they are currently behind in. And ACT likely to pip Greens for 3rd.

  53. NZJester 53
    17 October 2020 at 10:03 pm

    The lead has shrunk a bit since the first 1/3rd of the votes counted but at 2/3rds of the votes counted it looks like my area of Tukituki will go to Anna Lorck.

  54. gingercrush 54
    17 October 2020 at 10:03 pm

    Hmm strangely Nationals vote is going up (well slightly) as more votes are counted. Use to it going the other way.

    • swordfish 54.1
      17 October 2020 at 10:14 pm

      Yep … same here …. clearly somewhat more Left-leaning Advance Vote counted early / came in first.

    • NZJester 54.2
      17 October 2020 at 10:26 pm

      My Area Tukituki has seen the Labour lead shrink from the initial early vote count, but it still looks like it will see National loose this area after holding it the last few elections.

  55. Pat 55
    17 October 2020 at 10:08 pm

    Maori Party look to have one

  56. observer 56
    17 October 2020 at 10:12 pm

    Judith Collins gives a concession campaign speech. As always, reads the room of fans that she's in, not the room called New Zealand.

    Self-pity 1, self-awareness 0.

  57. newsense 57
    17 October 2020 at 10:13 pm

    Newshub a sad bunch, huh. Hillary Barry and Campbell on the other channel.

    Josie Pagani with her mates Chris Finlayson and Matthew Hooton as, after 60 odd percent counted with Labour on 49%, she announces an opinion that they could be on 43% after all the votes are counted.

    • SPC 57.1
      17 October 2020 at 10:16 pm

      DPF said the vote on the day was Labour 43 to National 31. Pagani does not seem to realise most votes were before the day, so it has to be closer to 50% than 43.

    • newsense 57.2
      18 October 2020 at 12:33 am

      Needs a Jon Oliver why is this still a thing moment.

  58. Scud 58
    17 October 2020 at 10:18 pm

    Crikey this is the biggest rout since the Battle of Austerlitz and Jena.

  59. Gabby 59
    17 October 2020 at 10:21 pm

    Bloody hell though, Vogons have nothing on Kelv.

  60. swordfish 60
    17 October 2020 at 10:26 pm

    Early on in the Night … but I'm calling it for Labour.

    You heard it here first.

  64. RedBaronCV 64
    17 October 2020 at 11:14 pm

    So Winston will be the next governor general in Sept 2021?

  65. Pat 65
    17 October 2020 at 11:15 pm

    turnout could be down depending on specials…turnout looks to be just over 2,4 million

  66. Peter 66
    17 October 2020 at 11:16 pm

    Michael Woodhouse is out looking for about 12,400 anonymous homeless people so he can catch up with David Clark. Thank goodness for the list eh? smiley

  67. weka 67
    17 October 2020 at 11:18 pm

    anyone seen turnout numbers? (including today).

  68. Fireblade 68
    17 October 2020 at 11:24 pm

    ❤️+💚=🙂

    We are the champions

    No time for losers

    Cause we are the champions

  69. sumsuch 69
    17 October 2020 at 11:24 pm

    Didn't you have a more interactive election post last time, Lynn? No comments occurring in real time as you are on the post.

    Reading the mood and numbers here, despite the landslide, it's a defeat for we Left politics-minded. Ardern's victory speech sorta reminded me of Robert Redford's in 'The Candidate'. He'd been so fashioned to achieve victory after his initial idealism he had to ask his political advisor afterward, 'What do I do now?'.

    I couldn't find a comfortable coverage for the night.

  70. sumsuch 70
    17 October 2020 at 11:26 pm

    Now if the Greens were in the habit of spitting tacks I'd be pleased.

  71. Treetop 71
    17 October 2020 at 11:31 pm

    On so many levels this election has been spectacular.

  72. swordfish 72
    17 October 2020 at 11:34 pm

    Specials might just push Labour back over 50% … and the Nats below 26%.

  73. Pat 73
    17 October 2020 at 11:39 pm

    "Special votes cast totalled 446,287 or 17% of total votes cast. That includes 61,524 overseas votes."

    https://elections.nz/media-and-news/2017/new-zealand-2017-general-election-official-results/

    If specials are as large a proportion this time then theres still significant scope for changes

    • Draco T Bastard 73.1
      18 October 2020 at 12:03 am

      There's likely to be a slight shuffling of seats but not a change in overall proportionality. We'll still be seeing a strong Leftish government.

      • Pat 73.1.1
        18 October 2020 at 12:15 am

        thats a given but with almost half a million votes still to count (assuming comparable levels to 2017) which tend to favour the left and the greens in particular then its likely all upside…however it wont change the essential decisions needed by labour or the greens but it may change some of the personnel.

  74. Marcus Morris 74
    17 October 2020 at 11:42 pm

    This is November 1972 and July 1984 all over again. Not since then have I felt so elated. But Labour mustn't betray that trust as it did after 84 or lose its way as in 1972. Mind you in each of those cases it was trading on discontent with National. This time they are building on their own record. I notice that in National's immediate reaction to the result Covid was cited over and over again as the principal cause of this disaster. No mention of Michelle Boag and the outing of dirty politics.

    In the Town Hall acknowledgement Jacinda was all class, right from the brilliant introduction spoken in Te Reo. Such a contrast to JC.

    Hope they can include the Greens in the new line up.

  75. nzsage 75
    17 October 2020 at 11:42 pm

    What a night, just fantastic and the icing on the cake will be listening into Mike Hosking explain why the polls were wrong… but not in the way he way was pontificating.

  76. Editractor 76
    17 October 2020 at 11:48 pm

    Speaking of Hosking:

    The second and much more interesting bit is that Chloe Swarbrick won’t win it [Auckland Central].

    Coming third already, she will stay third, and as a result, if the Greens need her to win, it’s over.

    https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/opinion/mike-hosking-electorate-polls-shows-mmp-is-done-after-20-years/ – Hosking, 21 Sep 2020

    I wonder what he will say?

    • WeTheBleeple 76.1
      18 October 2020 at 7:48 am

      I think Hoskings relentless negativity added to the bad smell National was giving off, and all the swing voters crinkled their noses at him and his ilk.

  77. Cinny 77
    18 October 2020 at 12:01 am

    We've had such a great night at Damien's election party in Motueka. It was packed, so many happy faces.

    Super thrilled with the results, wooooo hooooooo. SO HAPPY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  78. observer 78
    18 October 2020 at 12:09 am

    A great night. I had a range of expectations, maybe 65-55 at the lowest end, but the top of the range was around 70 seats (e.g. Labour 61/62, Greens 8/9). Would have happily settled for that.

    Honestly never expected National to do so badly. Check out the party vote in seats that they held. National lost the party vote in Tauranga! In North Shore! Anyone who predicted that was on drugs … but it happened.

    • weka 78.1
      18 October 2020 at 12:12 am

      also lost the party vote in Collins' electorate.

    • Ad 78.2
      18 October 2020 at 1:02 am

      Also Greens got their first electoral seat in decades, and their second electoral seat ever.

      And pulled huge percentages of the Green party vote by herself.

      Surely time to make Chloe Co-Leader after a result like that.

      • RedBaronCV 78.2.1
        18 October 2020 at 1:55 am

        Actually looks like the Wellington Central, Rongotai and Dunedin electorates really pumped the party vote. Auckland central not so strong.

  79. roblogic 79
    18 October 2020 at 12:29 am

    Comment of the night from Morgan Godfery on TV1, remarking on Hannah Tamaki's vote count at 664, "It's almost 666!"

    https://twitter.com/andrewtychen/status/1317386097391931393?s=20

    • Cinny 79.1
      18 October 2020 at 3:50 pm

      ROFL !!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope she picks up two more votes in the specials.. imagine. Dang that's some funny as shit right there. Cracking up laughing.

      The Lord works in mysterious ways…… 🙂 🙂 Brilliant 🙂

  80. Ad 80
    18 October 2020 at 12:33 am

    Doesn't get better than this.

    • Incognito 80.2
      18 October 2020 at 12:40 am

      Sure it does, just not in this lifetime.

      • Ad 80.2.1
        18 October 2020 at 12:57 am

        This will be the night with the highest height and the deepest fall that any government will ever go through.

        Tonight the flight bookings have occurred for the tomorrow morning flights to Wellington and the minor caucus coalitions get formed up. The next 72 hours determines the career trajectory of most of the 2017 MP intake and all of the 2020 intake. You're a thruster or you're thrusted.

        Most will of course get nothing.

        And then in a week the negotiations begin. Jobs are divvied up.

        And then they all get to face the worst global recession since the oil crisis. And they will then be held to account for it.

        From the highest height, will come the sharpest and deepest political fall and the ground is a hard reality.

        • observer 80.2.1.1
          18 October 2020 at 1:10 am

          Remind me never to invite you to a wedding.

          "You know 100% of marriages end in divorce or death, eh?".

          • Ad 80.2.1.1.1
            18 October 2020 at 1:23 am

            100% of people who drink milk die.

            Ardern said tonight that the voters have given Labour a very strong mandate.

            The question is, for all 64 of them, mandate to achieve what?

            Each MP now has just a few months to prove that they can be more than parliamentary-vote cannon fodder.

            The expectation of massive success following this massive shift in power is going to be just astonishingly high. They can't meet it.

            But they better die trying.

          • Incognito 80.2.1.1.2
            18 October 2020 at 1:58 am

            We all die, one day, what matters is what we do now.

  81. sumsuch 81
    18 October 2020 at 1:17 am

    Lynn, this isn't '35 Labour, This is '84 Labour. No one is going to die in a ditch for them, Everyone who works for them expects personal reward. We who were adults at the time, reasonably, want to overthrow them.

  82. millsy 82
    18 October 2020 at 1:21 am

    Great result really. What else can you say? I think there will be a lot of people who will be relieved after tonight, knowing that Ruthenasia v2.0 is off the table.

    This site has been through defeats in 2008, 2011, 2014 and whatever 2017 was. Its nice to rack up a victory.

    None of the usual right wing commentators have come into share their thoughts…??

  83. ken 83
    18 October 2020 at 1:23 am

    Soak it up.

  84. PsyclingLeft.Always 84
    18 October 2020 at 7:08 am

    Voter apathy GONE…along with a lot of nats : ) Green Chloe Swarbrick IN….(polls? Ha…)

    Let our NZ Reset/Rebuild flow….

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  • Weekly Climate Wrap: A market-led plan for failure

    TL;DR : Here’s the top six items climate news for Aotearoa this week, as selected by Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent Cathrine Dyer. A discussion recorded yesterday is in the video above and the audio of that sent onto the podcast feed.The Government released its draft Emissions Reduction ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Tobacco First

    Save some money, get rich and old, bring it back to Tobacco Road.Bring that dynamite and a crane, blow it up, start all over again.Roll up. Roll up. Or tailor made, if you prefer...Whether you’re selling ciggies, digging for gold, catching dolphins in your nets, or encouraging folks to flutter ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Trump’s Adopted Son.

    Waiting In The Wings: For truly, if Trump is America’s un-assassinated Caesar, then J.D. Vance is America’s Octavian, the Republic’s youthful undertaker – and its first Emperor.DONALD TRUMP’S SELECTION of James D. Vance as his running-mate bodes ill for the American republic. A fervent supporter of Viktor Orban, the “illiberal” prime ...
    Bowalley Road
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  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 19, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:The PSA announced the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) had ruled in the PSA’s favour in its case against the Ministry ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago

  • Joint statement from the Prime Ministers of Canada, Australia and New Zealand

    Australia, Canada and New Zealand today issued the following statement on the need for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and the risk of expanded conflict between Hizballah and Israel. The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue.  We remain unequivocal in our condemnation of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago
  • AG reminds institutions of legal obligations

    Attorney-General Judith Collins today reminded all State and faith-based institutions of their legal obligation to preserve records relevant to the safety and wellbeing of those in its care. “The Abuse in Care Inquiry’s report has found cases where records of the most vulnerable people in State and faith‑based institutions were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • More young people learning about digital safety

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government’s online safety website for children and young people has reached one million page views.  “It is great to see so many young people and their families accessing the site Keep It Real Online to learn how to stay safe online, and manage ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Speech to the Conference for General Practice 2024

    Tēnā tātou katoa,  Ngā mihi te rangi, ngā mihi te whenua, ngā mihi ki a koutou, kia ora mai koutou. Thank you for the opportunity to be here and the invitation to speak at this 50th anniversary conference. I acknowledge all those who have gone before us and paved the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    24 hours ago
  • Employers and payroll providers ready for tax changes

    New Zealand’s payroll providers have successfully prepared to ensure 3.5 million individuals will, from Wednesday next week, be able to keep more of what they earn each pay, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Revenue Minister Simon Watts.  “The Government's tax policy changes are legally effective from Wednesday. Delivering this tax ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Experimental vineyard futureproofs wine industry

    An experimental vineyard which will help futureproof the wine sector has been opened in Blenheim by Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson. The covered vineyard, based at the New Zealand Wine Centre – Te Pokapū Wāina o Aotearoa, enables controlled environmental conditions. “The research that will be produced at the Experimental ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Funding confirmed for regions affected by North Island Weather Events

    The Coalition Government has confirmed the indicative regional breakdown of North Island Weather Event (NIWE) funding for state highway recovery projects funded through Budget 2024, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Regions in the North Island suffered extensive and devastating damage from Cyclone Gabrielle and the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Floods, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Indonesian Foreign Minister to visit

    Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, will visit New Zealand next week, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.   “Indonesia is important to New Zealand’s security and economic interests and is our closest South East Asian neighbour,” says Mr Peters, who is currently in Laos to engage with South East Asian partners. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Strengthening partnership with Ngāti Maniapoto

    He aha te kai a te rangatira? He kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the aspirations of Ngāti Maniapoto, Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka says. “My thanks to Te Nehenehenui Trust – Ngāti Maniapoto for bringing their important kōrero to a ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Transport Minister thanks outgoing CAA Chair

    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has thanked outgoing Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, Janice Fredric, for her service to the board.“I have received Ms Fredric’s resignation from the role of Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority,” Mr Brown says.“On behalf of the Government, I want to thank Ms Fredric for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Test for Customary Marine Title being restored

    The Government is proposing legislation to overturn a Court of Appeal decision and amend the Marine and Coastal Area Act in order to restore Parliament’s test for Customary Marine Title, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says.  “Section 58 required an applicant group to prove they have exclusively used and occupied ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Opposition united in bad faith over ECE sector review

    Regulation Minister David Seymour says that opposition parties have united in bad faith, opposing what they claim are ‘dangerous changes’ to the Early Childhood Education sector, despite no changes even being proposed yet.  “Issues with affordability and availability of early childhood education, and the complexity of its regulation, has led ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Kiwis having their say on first regulatory review

    After receiving more than 740 submissions in the first 20 days, Regulation Minister David Seymour is asking the Ministry for Regulation to extend engagement on the early childhood education regulation review by an extra two weeks.  “The level of interest has been very high, and from the conversations I’ve been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government upgrading Lower North Island commuter rail

    The Coalition Government is investing $802.9 million into the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines as part of a funding agreement with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), KiwiRail, and the Greater Wellington and Horizons Regional Councils to deliver more reliable services for commuters in the lower North Island, Transport Minister Simeon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government moves to ensure flood protection for Wairoa

    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced his intention to appoint a Crown Manager to both Hawke’s Bay Regional and Wairoa District Councils to speed up the delivery of flood protection work in Wairoa."Recent severe weather events in Wairoa this year, combined with damage from Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 have ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • PM speech to Parliament – Royal Commission of Inquiry’s Report into Abuse in Care

    Mr Speaker, this is a day that many New Zealanders who were abused in State care never thought would come. It’s the day that this Parliament accepts, with deep sorrow and regret, the Report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.  At the heart of this report are the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges torture at Lake Alice

    For the first time, the Government is formally acknowledging some children and young people at Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital experienced torture. The final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care “Whanaketia – through pain and trauma, from darkness to light,” was tabled in Parliament ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges courageous abuse survivors

    The Government has acknowledged the nearly 2,400 courageous survivors who shared their experiences during the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State and Faith-Based Care. The final report from the largest and most complex public inquiry ever held in New Zealand, the Royal Commission Inquiry “Whanaketia – through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Half a million people use tax calculator

    With a week to go before hard-working New Zealanders see personal income tax relief for the first time in fourteen years, 513,000 people have used the Budget tax calculator to see how much they will benefit, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  “Tax relief is long overdue. From next Wednesday, personal income ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Paid Parental Leave improvements pass first reading

    Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says a bill that has passed its first reading will improve parental leave settings and give non-biological parents more flexibility as primary carer for their child. The Regulatory Systems Amendment Bill (No3), passed its first reading this morning. “It includes a change ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Rebuilding the economy through better regulation

    Two Bills designed to improve regulation and make it easier to do business have passed their first reading in Parliament, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. The Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment Bill and Regulatory Systems (Immigration and Workforce) Amendment Bill make key changes to legislation administered by the Ministry ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • ‘Open banking’ and ‘open electricity’ on the way

    New legislation paves the way for greater competition in sectors such as banking and electricity, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Competitive markets boost productivity, create employment opportunities and lift living standards. To support competition, we need good quality regulation but, unfortunately, a recent OECD report ranked New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Charity lotteries to be permitted to operate online

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says lotteries for charitable purposes, such as those run by the Heart Foundation, Coastguard NZ, and local hospices, will soon be allowed to operate online permanently. “Under current laws, these fundraising lotteries are only allowed to operate online until October 2024, after which ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Accelerating Northland Expressway

    The Coalition Government is accelerating work on the new four-lane expressway between Auckland and Whangārei as part of its Roads of National Significance programme, with an accelerated delivery model to deliver this project faster and more efficiently, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “For too long, the lack of resilient transport connections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Sir Don to travel to Viet Nam as special envoy

    Sir Don McKinnon will travel to Viet Nam this week as a Special Envoy of the Government, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.    “It is important that the Government give due recognition to the significant contributions that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made to New Zealand-Viet Nam relations,” Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Grant Illingworth KC appointed as transitional Commissioner to Royal Commission

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says newly appointed Commissioner, Grant Illingworth KC, will help deliver the report for the first phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons, due on 28 November 2024.  “I am pleased to announce that Mr Illingworth will commence his appointment as ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ to advance relationships with ASEAN partners

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters travels to Laos this week to participate in a series of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-led Ministerial meetings in Vientiane.    “ASEAN plays an important role in supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Mr Peters says.   “This will be our third visit to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Backing mental health services on the West Coast

    Construction of a new mental health facility at Te Nikau Grey Hospital in Greymouth is today one step closer, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “This $27 million facility shows this Government is delivering on its promise to boost mental health care and improve front line services,” Mr Doocey says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ support for sustainable Pacific fisheries

    New Zealand is committing nearly $50 million to a package supporting sustainable Pacific fisheries development over the next four years, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced today. “This support consisting of a range of initiatives demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to assisting our Pacific partners ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Students’ needs at centre of new charter school adjustments

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour says proposed changes to the Education and Training Amendment Bill will ensure charter schools have more flexibility to negotiate employment agreements and are equipped with the right teaching resources. “Cabinet has agreed to progress an amendment which means unions will not be able to initiate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Commissioner replaces Health NZ Board

    In response to serious concerns around oversight, overspend and a significant deterioration in financial outlook, the Board of Health New Zealand will be replaced with a Commissioner, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today.  “The previous government’s botched health reforms have created significant financial challenges at Health NZ that, without ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister to speak at Australian Space Forum

    Minister for Space and Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins will travel to Adelaide tomorrow for space and science engagements, including speaking at the Australian Space Forum.  While there she will also have meetings and visits with a focus on space, biotechnology and innovation.  “New Zealand has a thriving space ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Climate Change Minister to attend climate action meeting in China

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts will travel to China on Saturday to attend the Ministerial on Climate Action meeting held in Wuhan.  “Attending the Ministerial on Climate Action is an opportunity to advocate for New Zealand climate priorities and engage with our key partners on climate action,” Mr Watts says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Oceans and Fisheries Minister to Solomons

    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is travelling to the Solomon Islands tomorrow for meetings with his counterparts from around the Pacific supporting collective management of the region’s fisheries. The 23rd Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Committee and the 5th Regional Fisheries Ministers’ Meeting in Honiara from 23 to 26 July ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Government launches Military Style Academy Pilot

    The Government today launched the Military Style Academy Pilot at Te Au rere a te Tonga Youth Justice residence in Palmerston North, an important part of the Government’s plan to crackdown on youth crime and getting youth offenders back on track, Minister for Children, Karen Chhour said today. “On the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Nine priority bridge replacements to get underway

    The Government has welcomed news the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has begun work to replace nine priority bridges across the country to ensure our state highway network remains resilient, reliable, and efficient for road users, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“Increasing productivity and economic growth is a key priority for the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Update on global IT outage

    Acting Prime Minister David Seymour has been in contact throughout the evening with senior officials who have coordinated a whole of government response to the global IT outage and can provide an update. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has designated the National Emergency Management Agency as the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New Zealand, Japan renew Pacific partnership

    New Zealand and Japan will continue to step up their shared engagement with the Pacific, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “New Zealand and Japan have a strong, shared interest in a free, open and stable Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says.    “We are pleased to be finding more ways ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New infrastructure energises BOP forestry towns

    New developments in the heart of North Island forestry country will reinvigorate their communities and boost economic development, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones visited Kaingaroa and Kawerau in Bay of Plenty today to open a landmark community centre in the former and a new connecting road in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • 'Pacific Futures'

    President Adeang, fellow Ministers, honourable Diet Member Horii, Ambassadors, distinguished guests.    Minasama, konnichiwa, and good afternoon, everyone.    Distinguished guests, it’s a pleasure to be here with you today to talk about New Zealand’s foreign policy reset, the reasons for it, the values that underpin it, and how it ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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