On today's chart 11K views since yesterday

Qiulae Wong keeps crossbenches open as Opportunity sets coalition terms

Speaking outside Parliament, Wong says National gets the first conversation, but joining a government is not Opportunity's only option.

Channel:

nzherald.co.nz Story of November 9, 2026Trari Newsroom

Why this story? One of the most watched videos since yesterday, with 10,766 views.

NZ Herald Live: Opportunity stand-up at Parliament

Things we can learn from the video

Press to jump

2:03Wong says Hipkins and Swarbrick have made congratulatory calls, without formal coalition discussions.
5:12Opportunity's five bottom lines are minimum conditions for a coalition or confidence-and-supply agreement.
7:04Wong highlights climate change, ocean protection and competition to address living costs.
20:16She rejects arbitrary public service cuts and says Opportunity will not support abolishing the Waitangi Tribunal.
21:13Remaining on the crossbenches is an option; formal caucus discussions have not yet begun.
30:57Wong reiterates that Opportunity intends to negotiate first with the largest party.

Qiulae Wong arrives at Parliament with colleagues, congratulatory calls to recount and a firm distinction to make: being ready to talk does not mean being ready to compromise on everything.

"Our bottom lines are our minimum non-negotiables for us to be part of a coalition or confidence and supply," the Opportunity leader tells reporters in NZ Herald's new press conference video. It has drawn around 11,000 views in its first nine hours.

Wong says Chris Hipkins and Chlöe Swarbrick have called to congratulate her, without discussing formal coalition negotiations. At the time of the briefing, she has not heard from Christopher Luxon. She reiterates that Opportunity intends to speak first with National, as the largest party, while waiting for special votes before negotiations conclude.

Climate change, ocean protection and competition to help address living costs are among the priorities she highlights. She also rejects arbitrary public service cuts and says Opportunity will not support abolishing the Waitangi Tribunal.

But a place in government is not the only possible destination. "Sitting on the crossbenches is an option for us, so all of the possibilities are still there on the table," Wong says. Formal caucus discussions have yet to begin.

The briefing also gives the people standing behind her a turn at the microphones. Deputy leader Daniel Ebbett introduces his agriculture and small-business background; Jodie Conchie brings seafood sustainability experience. Jessica Hammond, standing for Opportunity for the fourth time, reflects on the party's long journey into Parliament. Between the coalition questions, the broadcast captures a team beginning to introduce itself to the country.

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