Nicola Willis on the election: ‘the jury’s out’

It will take several years of wage growth outstripping inflation for New Zealanders to feel the cost of living challenge has been met, says Nicola Willis. (Image: NZME)

Pattrick Smellie

Wed, 24 Dec 2025

Finance Minister Nicola Willis goes into the summer break knowing that “the jury is out” on Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s coalition Government, less than a year out from the 2026 election.Confronted by most available polling putting Labour ahead of National and within reach of 40% support in some polls, Willis is candid: “I look at the polls and just see New Zealanders saying: ‘well, the jury’s out’.“I don’t see any love for Chris Hipkins’ opposition policies. There aren’t r...

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