With 11 weeks to go until the General Election, Sky is pleased to share details of its political debates and Election Night coverage.
Sky has chosen to partner with two of New Zealand's leading news organisations - NZME and Stuff - to deliver a thought-provoking programme of political debates, journalism and live Election Night coverage.
The partnerships garner the strength of established newsrooms, giving audiences comprehensive and compelling coverage of the people, policies and issues shaping the election.
In the lead-up to Election Day, Sky and NZME will deliver three major debates across consecutive weeks in October, bringing New Zealanders closer to the leaders, policies and ideas on offer across the 2026 campaign.
Hosted by award-winning journalist and broadcaster, Ryan Bridge, the NZ Herald Debate series covers:
The Future of New Zealand - Wednesday, 7 October, bringing together spokespeople from political parties on the crucial issues that will shape New Zealand's future. This important national conversation will also feature entrepreneurs, business leaders and other influential voices to discuss the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for the country. It will be live on Three, ThreeNow, the NZ Herald website, app and NZ Herald YouTube channel.
The Leaders' Debate - Wednesday, 14 October, between National Party leader Christopher Luxon and Labour Party Leader Chris Hipkins. The debate will be live on Three, ThreeNow, the NZ Herald website, app, NZ Herald YouTube channel, and simulcast on Newstalk ZB. It will be followed by a post-debate analysis show hosted by NZ Herald Senior Correspondent, Katie Bradford.
The Powerbrokers' Debate - Wednesday, 21 October, bringing together the leaders of the parties that will likely be part of coalition discussions in our MMP environment. It will be live on Three, ThreeNow, the NZ Herald website, app and NZ Herald YouTube channel. Again, this will be followed by post-debate analysis hosted by Katie Bradford.
Ryan Bridge says: "Audiences can expect a fresh, fast-paced and fair contest of ideas. There's no doubt this is a tight race with minor parties likely to have a significant influence on who gets the keys to the Beehive's ninth floor. This is a chance for New Zealanders to watch the leaders interact live, and unedited at a crucial point in the campaign."
Sky's election series will culminate in full Election Night coverage on Saturday, 7 November, in partnership with Stuff. ThreeNews will deliver an Election Night Live special to be simulcast on Three, ThreeNow and stuff.co.nz.
Hosted by ThreeNews presenter Samantha Hayes and journalist Patrick Gower, with Jenna Lynch providing in-studio analysis, Stuff will have journalists in towns and cities all over the country, including Rebecca Wright, Lloyd Burr, Lisette Reymer, Zane Small and Amelia Wade, alongside revolving panels of the country's leading political commentators.
The broadcast will combine live results and analysis with Stuff's renowned political journalism, following the results as they unfold and examining the political implications that will determine the shape of New Zealand's next Government.
Samantha Hayes says: "I'm excited to be anchoring election night on Three again with an outstanding team of journalists, commentators and political experts. We'll be joined by former senior ministers and key figures from across the political spectrum, giving viewers unparalleled insight as election results unfold and New Zealand finds out who will lead the country for the next three years. If you want to experience every twist and turn as it happens, this is the election night party you'll want to be at."
Paddy Gower says: "This will be election coverage like no other. Polished, powerful, fun, frantic. But mostly fun. This will be my seventh election and working with Sam and our incredible team in studio and on the ground is sure to make it the best."
ENDS
About Sky
Sky is New Zealand's leading entertainment company and home to the best and broadest choice in live sport, movies, shows, documentaries and news. Guided by our purpose - to share stories, share possibilities and share joy - Sky offers a suite of viewing choices to suit every New Zealander, whether it's through the Sky Box, companion app Sky Go or the Sky Pod for premium direct-to-home customers, its streaming services Sky Sport Now and Neon, or free-to-air on Three, ThreeNow, Sky Open, eden, Rush, HGTV and Bravo.