National leader Christopher Luxon and Labour leader Chris Hipkins step into the ring tonight for one of their only one-on-one debates of this election campaign, with both saying they are ready for the contest.<\/p>\n
Luxon described his opponent as “obviously a career politician” and a “formidable debater”.<\/p>\n
“[He’s a] better debater than he was a minister or prime minister. But I’m looking forward to it.”<\/p>\n
Hipkins told 1News he was feeling “very upbeat” and that voters would see “a prime minister in waiting”.<\/p>\n
He said he would focus on the cost of living, health and building a country young people want to stay in. “I’m sick of seeing young people lining up at the airport to leave the country.”<\/p>\n
The 90-minute Leaders’ Debate starts at 7pm in front of a live studio audience, screening live and free on 1News, TVNZ+<\/a>, and TVNZ 1. Q+A presenter Jack Tame will moderate. <\/p>\n Key topics the leaders will be asked about include cost of living, health and education, as well as the climate and environment. <\/p>\n Tonight’s debate is the first of four TVNZ will screen before the November 7 election, and the only one featuring the two leaders alone. <\/p>\n Luxon declined an invitation to a second head-to-head on November 5.<\/p>\n TVNZ has extensive coverage of the election campaign. (Source: TVNZ)<\/p>\n With both major parties on 28% in last week’s 1News Verian Poll<\/a>, tonight’s debate comes at a tight and critical point in this year’s campaign.<\/p>\n The Leaders’ Debate is the first of several live debates and part of 1News’ extensive campaign coverage<\/a>, including the interactive Vote Compass tool<\/a> which launched on Sunday.<\/p>\n Breakfast presenter Tova O’Brien will host the 1News: Multi-Party Debate on October 13 at 7pm. TVNZ will confirm which party leaders will be able to take part the week of the debate, once qualifying polls are in.<\/p>\n Te Karere presenter Scotty Morrison and 1News M\u0101ori Affairs Correspondent Te Aniwa Hurihanganui will co-host the 1News: Kaupapa M\u0101ori Debate on October 29 at 7.30pm.<\/p>\n TVNZ will use the November 5 slot \u2014 intended for a second Leaders’ Debate \u2014 for the Q+A People’s Debate, which puts voters’ questions to every party that qualifies under TVNZ’s debate criteria, including National and Labour. Tame will moderate.<\/p>\n All debates will screen on the 1News app, TVNZ+, and TVNZ 1. <\/p>\n Viewers will be able to share their reactions in real time through interactive features.<\/p>\n