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Will New Zealand’s election reshape its ‘softly-softly’ approach to Trump?

Will New Zealand’s election reshape its ‘softly-softly’ approach to Trump?
South China Morning Post Thursday 05 November 2026, 02:30 UTC By Maria Siow 1 min read
Key Points

Cost of living issues are expected to dominate this weekend’s election in New Zealand, but the outcome could also determine whether Wellington maintains its cautious approach to US President Donald Trump or pursues a more independent foreign policy, analysts have said. With the major parties locked in a close contest ahead of Saturday’s vote, the next government’s approach to Washington, as well as its defence priorities, could hinge on the smaller parties needed to form a coalition.

Cost of living issues are expected to dominate this weekend’s election in New Zealand, but the outcome could also determine whether Wellington maintains its cautious approach to US President Donald Trump or pursues a more independent foreign policy, analysts have said. With the major parties locked in a close contest ahead of Saturday’s vote, the next government’s approach to Washington, as well as its defence priorities, could hinge on the smaller parties needed to form a coalition. Robert... [Image text:] PARTYVOTE National ational YVOTE ixon Bunldingtne Future. PARTY VTE National PARTY Bron ARTY VOTE Hotional SNaNationd PARTY Basics. SBrowr Future. Uoyh ational Fixin Bui diRotion INANCY
New Zealand’s (LOCATION) Trump (ORG) New Zealand (LOCATION) Wellington (PERSON) US (LOCATION) Donald Trump (PERSON) Washington (LOCATION) Robert (PERSON)
Originally published by South China Morning Post Read original →

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