National Party's Support Drops in New Zealand Poll

0:00Here's more world news for March 6th. A new poll in New Zealand shows the ruling national party support has dropped to its lowest in over four years. The taxpayers' Union Curious Survey puts them at 28.4 percent down nearly three points from last month. This slide comes amid a tough economy and rising unemployment, which have hurt Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's popularity. The 55-year-old leader's approval rating fell to 21 percent. Meanwhile, the opposition labor party is gaining ground at 34.4 percent. Their leader, Chris Hipkins, now edges out Luxon as voters top choice for Prime Minister, with 22.7 percent support. If these numbers held, labor plus the Greens and Topati Mayori could win 61 seats and form a center-left government. Nationals' partners, New Zealand First and ACT, sit at 9.7 and 7.5 percent. Luxon brushed off resignation talk, saying he is staying put to tackle economic challenges ahead of the next election.

1:00The polls surveyed 1,000 people under the country's mixed-member proportional system, where coalitions are standard. The daily news now is made possible with support from our sponsor. A pillow that sounds as good as it feels. Feel for listening in bed, S-O-L-I, solely pillow.com