Recent polling averages place National and Labour nearly tied at around 28-29% party vote each ahead of the November 7 election, with neither bloc securing a clear majority without support from smaller parties such as the Opportunity Party. This deadlock, reinforced by recent leaders' debates and stable results across multiple surveys, keeps the contest for second place extremely tight as traders weigh which major party will finish ahead. Minor parties like the Greens, NZ First, and ACT draw consistent support in the 9-15% range but show little momentum to disrupt the top two. Late-campaign events including final policy releases on cost-of-living measures, further debates, or turnout shifts among key voter blocs could widen the gap between National and Labour before election day.