Opportunity Party’s rise reshapes election as CEOs question coalition prospects

New Zealand Herald · Fran O'Sullivan, Bill Bennett · 2026-10-21 22:00 UTC

CEOs split 41% to 40% on Opportunity as a credible coalition partner.

“She has transformed the landscape for this election – well done,” one energy CEO said.

The 38-year-old ex-business consultant was parachuted into the leadership of the Opportunity Party after getting the job by answering an advertisement on Seek. Prominent list members include deputy leader Daniel Eb, who runs a communications agency, Wellington public servant Jessica Hammond and environmental policy specialist Dr Kayla Kingdon-Bebb.

“Bizarre really that a job ad for a leader has worked so well,” said Simon Bennett of Metro Performance Glass. “

Read the full story at New Zealand Herald · All coverage of this story