Simon O'Connor Picks A Tight Election's Winner

Former National MP Simon O'Connor, now with Family First, reflects on life after Parliament and unpacks the dynamics of New Zealand's tightest election since MMP began. He points to the overhang strategy pursued by the centre-right and the uncertain fate of The Opportunities Party crossing the five percent threshold as key complicating factors, alongside a wave of unusually negative campaigning from most major parties.

O'Connor predicts the centre-right bloc of National, ACT and New Zealand First will ultimately govern, aided by National's electorate seat overhang regardless of whether Top makes it into Parliament. He also weighs in on both major parties wheeling out former prime ministers John Key and Helen Clark to boost their campaigns, arguing the tactic inadvertently highlights the shortcomings of current leaders Chris Luxon and Chris Hipkins by comparison.

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