As New Zealand prepares for a November election, the Opportunity Party, a self-described centrist party, is seeing an increase in support. Recent polls indicate that approximately 5-8% of voters intend to back the party, which has never held a parliamentary seat.
This level of support could allow Opportunity to surpass the 5% threshold required to enter parliament under New Zealand's mixed member proportional (MMP) system. The party's potential entry into parliament could mean it holds the balance of power, influencing who forms the next government.
The rise of the Opportunity Party comes as the two major parties, National and Labour, are experiencing their lowest combined support in three decades. This trend mirrors an international pattern of minor parties gaining votes and influence.
Opportunity's leader, Qiulae Wong, a sustainability consultant, has stated the party would work with either major party. Among its proposed policies are a land tax and a universal basic income of NZ$370 a week.