'Dysfunction': Vote splitting divides the right – Luxon calls out 'disappointing' Act, NZ First

The National Party is beginning the final week of the election campaign targeting people it alleges are “trying to confuse” voters by promoting a vote-splitting strategy, with Christopher Luxon calling his coalition partners’ involvement “disappointing”.

It stems from New Zealand First and Act approving the publication of advertisements in the Herald in recent days arguing if Kiwis don’t want a left-leaning Government elected, party voting for National was a wasted vote and they should instead vote for one of those two parties.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins says it shows “total dysfunction and disarray on the right of the political spectrum”, but Act’s David Seymour says he isn’t going to “stand in the way” of someone encouraging New Zealanders to vote for his party.

The advertisements make the argument that National is likely to win more electorates than the number of seats the party vote will entitle it to. That means it will create an overhang, increasing the number of seats in Parliament.

“Once that happens, party votes for National will not produce any more National MPs,” the ad says. “Meanwhile, voters for Act or NZ First will produce extra right side MPs.”

The ad is written in the name of Don Brash, the former National and Act leader, and placed by Reality Check Radio. Act and NZ First have confirmed to the Herald they gave approval for the ads, which ran earlier this week.

It’s part of a wider vote-splitting strategy being promoted by some on the right who are suggesting voters give their candidate vote to National and their party vote to Act or NZ First.

National leader Christopher Luxon at Auckland's Howick Village Market on Saturday. Photo / Jamie Ensor

Luxon directly addressed the matter on Saturday, proactively telling voters via the media “there are people trying to confuse you by saying that voting for another party is somehow helpful for National”.

“I want to be really clear: do not be fooled. A vote for any party other than National risks making Labour the biggest party on November 7 and opens up the door for them to form a Government.”

Asked by the Herald whether he was frustrated with NZ First and Act approving those advertisements, Luxon said “it’s disappointing”.

“But that’s up to them ... we don’t endorse that campaign. It’s a very tight election. It risks creating confusion amongst the voters.”

He said it could create a Labour-led Government.

“That is not what we want to see. We have been saying for some time, don’t complicate it.

“If you believe in National policies and you believe in our National ministers and you want a National-led Government, it’s as simple as just party vote National.

“Certainly in a tight election, a confusing set of messages like that, where people are confused about what to do with their party vote, that creates a door, an opportunity for a Labour coalition to be formed, and we don’t think that’s the right thing.”

Seymour said Act had always asked voters to give them their party vote and wouldn’t stand in the way of others encouraging that.

“When it comes to disappointment, all I would say is that the coalition needs to work together to keep Labour out,” the Act leader said.

“We each have the right to campaign for people to vote for our parties. A party vote for Act will not let Labour come through the middle.”

He said voting for Act adds to the coalition.

Act leader David Seymour mans a drive-through counter at McDonald's Newmarket. Photo / Jamie Ensor

RNZ reported Winston Peters on Saturday saying a party vote for National was “wasting your vote”.

A spokesperson for the party previously told the Herald it had no involvement in the creation of the advertisement, but provided approval for it.

“We welcome any third party who wants to promote the message that a party vote for New Zealand First is essential for a centre-right Government returning.”

Labour leader Chris Hipkins delivering a speech at a party rally in Wesley, Auckland on Saturday. Photo / Jamie Ensor

Labour’s Hipkins said Act and NZ First’s approval of the advertisement showed “total dysfunction and disarray on the right of the political spectrum”.

“My message to Kiwis is really clear. Don’t wake up next Sunday with a National hangover. Avoid that by giving two tickets to Labour.”

Jamie Ensor is the NZ Herald’s chief political reporter, based in the press gallery at Parliament. He was previously a TV reporter and digital producer in the Newshub press gallery office. He was a finalist in 2025 for Political Journalist of the Year at the Voyager Media Awards.