The rise of NZ First
NZ First scored 11.9% in the January 2026 Taxpayers’ Union – Curia poll. This is a very high level of support for NZ First generally, but especially for them in Government.
The last time NZ First polled this high was in the lead up to the 2017 election. They also spiked up there in 2003. Prior to that you would be talking about their formative period in the mid 1990s.
What makes their result even more exceptional is that it has occurred while they are in Government. Normally being in Government results in NZ First doing very badly in the polls, and at the subsequent election. I’ve charted below the four periods NZ First has been in Government.
The paywalled article shows you the comparison, and also shows you what share of the coalition vote NZ First has received this term.
