New Zealand Election: Labour and National in Close Race
Listen to the story
New Zealand held a general election this week, and the result is still unclear as votes are counted.
The two main parties, Labour and National, are now level in the count. This makes the race very close.
Before election day, polls suggested that no single coalition would win enough seats for a majority. A coalition is when parties join together to form a government.
In New Zealand's political system, parties often need partners to govern. This means smaller parties can become very powerful after an election.
One smaller party has been described as a possible kingmaker. A kingmaker is a group that can decide which side forms the next government.
Officials are continuing to count votes, and results are being updated live as they come in.
This election is being called one of the closest in New Zealand's recent history, because the gap between Labour and National is so small.
Both main parties will likely need support from other parties to form a working government.
People across the country are watching closely as the final results are expected soon.
The outcome could change depending on how the remaining votes are counted and which parties agree to work together.
Vocabulary10 words
- election
- a time when people vote for leaders
- kingmaker
- a small group with power to choose the winner
- polls
- studies asking people about their votes before an election
- coalition
- parties joining together to form one government
- majority
- more than half of all seats or votes
- seats
- places in parliament that parties can win
- count
- the process of checking all the votes
- officials
- people who have an official job, like running an election
- outcome
- the final result of something
- govern
- to lead and make decisions for a country
📚 Ready to use these words in a real conversation?
Practice live with a real tutor on Preply.
Quiz
Answer key
1. Labour and National are level 2. No coalition would get a majority of seats 3. It could act as a kingmaker in forming a coalition
✅ Nice work on the quiz!
Keep the momentum going — book a live English lesson with a Preply tutor.
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
New Zealand held a general _____ this week, and the result is still unclear as votes are counted.
The two main parties, Labour and National, are now level in the _____. This makes the race very close.
Before election day, _____ suggested that no single coalition would win enough seats for a majority.
A _____ is when parties join together to form a government.
In New Zealand's political system, parties often need partners to _____.
One smaller party has been described as a possible _____.
A kingmaker is a group that can decide which side forms the next _____.
Officials are continuing to count votes, and results are being updated _____ as they come in.
This election is being called one of the _____ in New Zealand's recent history.
Both main parties will likely need support from other parties to form a working government, and people are watching the _____ closely.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think close elections like this one happen sometimes?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of coalition governments?
- How might a small party have a lot of power in forming a government?
- Do you think it is good for countries to have many political parties, or fewer? Why?
🎓 Enjoyed this story?
Turn today's reading into real speaking practice with a live Preply tutor.
More Politics stories
Next story · Medium
Deni Avdija Helps Trail Blazers Start Season Strong