Matthew Tukaki sits down with Opportunity Party leader Qiulae Q Wong as the party attempts to turn growing attention into votes at the 2026 election.
Wong is also contesting Mt Albert, an electorate that has become one of the country’s closest races after Labour held the seat by just 18 votes over National in 2023. Once regarded as a safe Labour stronghold, the Auckland electorate is now attracting national attention as Wong attempts to add another dimension to an already competitive contest.
The interview follows Dale Husband’s kōrero last week with Kaperiere Pāpā Wharewera, Opportunity’s candidate in Waiariki, as Waatea continues examining what the party is offering Māori voters.
Tukaki asks Wong where Opportunity stands on protecting Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori rights, with the party campaigning on restoring Treaty recognition where it says protections have been removed from legislation and strengthening the consideration of Te Tiriti in government decision-making.
But the conversation also turns to the pressure hitting households now — is 2026 ultimately the cost-of-living election?
With housing, food, power and everyday expenses continuing to shape political debate, Wong argues economic pressure is one of the major challenges facing New Zealand and is campaigning on changes across taxation, competition, housing and the wider economy.
For Opportunity, the challenge now is translating policy and increased political attention into votes — while Wong attempts to make her own breakthrough in one of Election 2026’s most closely watched electorates.
#QiulaeWong #QWong #OpportunityParty #MatthewTukaki #MtAlbert #Election2026 #TeTiritiOWaitangi #TeTiriti #MaoriVote #CostOfLiving #Housing #Whanau #MaoriPolitics #NZPolitics #Waiariki #PapaWharewera #TeAoMaori #Aotearoa #WaateaNews #RadioWaatea
