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Goldsmith dismisses Brash's Seymour endorsement in Epsom campaign

NZ Herald's election panel moves from Don Brash's newspaper advertisement to National's proposed public service cuts and Labour's objections.

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nzherald.co.nz Story of October 30, 2026Trari Newsroom

Why this story? One of nzherald.co.nz's most watched videos since yesterday, with 12,796 views.

'Brashy betrayed you!': Paul Goldsmith reacts to Don Brash's support for Seymour | Ryan Bridge TODAY

Things we can learn from the video

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1:10Goldsmith describes the election as tight and urges voters to support National.
2:40Bridge displays Brash's advertisement to Epsom and Tāmaki voters, prompting an exchange about his support for Seymour.
4:36Goldsmith says National would reduce core public servant numbers towards historical levels over three to four years.
6:25Jackson opposes public service cuts, citing economic challenges and pressure on government agencies.
9:20Bridge raises reports of unenrolled voters casting ballots that would not count; Goldsmith stresses enrolment obligations.

Paul Goldsmith has little appetite for discussing Don Brash's support for David Seymour. When Ryan Bridge raises the former National leader's newspaper advertisement, the National MP responds: "Don't give him any more coverage than he deserves."

The exchange comes on NZ Herald's Ryan Bridge TODAY, with Labour MP Willie Jackson seated alongside Goldsmith. Bridge holds up an advertisement addressed to voters in Epsom and Tāmaki, and Jackson characterises Brash's intervention as a betrayal of Goldsmith.

Brash previously led both National and ACT, giving his endorsement a political history beyond a single electorate contest. Goldsmith, meanwhile, repeatedly stresses the importance of the party vote: "So, number one is always party vote. Party vote National."

That distinction matters in New Zealand's electoral system. Voters separately choose an electorate representative and a party, with the party vote largely determining each party's share of Parliament.

The discussion then turns to jobs. Asked about proposed public service cuts of up to 15%, Goldsmith says National would reduce core public servant numbers towards historical levels over three to four years. Jackson argues against the reductions, citing economic pressures and strain on government agencies.

The segment drew roughly 13,000 views since yesterday. Its final exchanges concern Māori electorate prospects and reports of unenrolled people casting ballots that would not count, with Goldsmith emphasising voters' responsibility to enrol.

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