New Zealand's Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins helps build metal frames at the Steel-It workshop in Paraparaumu during a campaign visit to the Kapiti Coast on November 4, 2026. New Zealanders are voting this week in an election focused on rising costs of living and the economy, as pollsters forecast a tight contest and neither main party close to winning a majority. (Photo by Marty MELVILLE / AFP via Getty Images)

New Zealand's Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins (C) speaks to medical staff at a new healthcare centre during a campaign walkabout in Paekakariki on the Kapiti Coast on November 4, 2026. New Zealanders are voting this week in an election focused on rising costs of living and the economy, as pollsters forecast a tight contest and neither main party close to winning a majority. (Photo by Marty MELVILLE / AFP via Getty Images)

New Zealand's Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins (front C) with local Labour candidate Sophie Handford (L) interact with locals during a campaign walkabout in Paekakariki on the Kapiti Coast on November 4, 2026. New Zealanders are voting this week in an election focused on rising costs of living and the economy, as pollsters forecast a tight contest and neither main party close to winning a majority. (Photo by Marty MELVILLE / AFP via Getty Images)

New Zealand's Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins (L) speaks with a dairy owner during a campaign walkabout in Paekakariki on the Kapiti Coast on November 4, 2026. New Zealanders are voting this week in an election focused on rising costs of living and the economy, as pollsters forecast a tight contest and neither main party close to winning a majority. (Photo by Marty MELVILLE / AFP via Getty Images)

New Zealand's Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins (L) meets locals in Paekakariki during a campaign visit to the Kapiti Coast on November 4, 2026. New Zealanders are voting this week in an election focused on rising costs of living and the economy, as pollsters forecast a tight contest and neither main party close to winning a majority. (Photo by Marty MELVILLE / AFP via Getty Images)

New Zealand's Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins helps build metal frames at the Steel-It workshop in Paraparaumu during a campaign visit to the Kapiti Coast on November 4, 2026. New Zealanders are voting this week in an election focused on rising costs of living and the economy, as pollsters forecast a tight contest and neither main party close to winning a majority. (Photo by Marty MELVILLE / AFP via Getty Images)

New Zealand's Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins (R) meets locals during a campaign walkabout in Paekakariki on the Kapiti Coast on November 4, 2026. New Zealanders are voting this week in an election focused on rising costs of living and the economy, as pollsters forecast a tight contest and neither main party close to winning a majority. (Photo by Marty MELVILLE / AFP via Getty Images)

New Zealand's Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins (L) meets locals in Waikanae during a campaign visit to the Kapiti Coast on November 4, 2026. New Zealanders are voting this week in an election focused on rising costs of living and the economy, as pollsters forecast a tight contest and neither main party close to winning a majority. (Photo by Marty MELVILLE / AFP via Getty Images)