Political commentators have given their opinion on who won the first leaders' debate: Chris Hipkins or Christopher Luxon.
On Tuesday, the two men vying to be New Zealand's next prime minister went head-to-head but political commentators believe their debate lacked excitement.
Former politician Tau Henare, who was a member of New Zealand First, Mauri Pacific and the National Party, and former Labour Party leader David Cunliffe discussed who won the TVNZ leaders' debate on Tuesday.
The debate was crucial for Hipkins, as the Labour Party has been down in the 20s in recent polls, but it lacked pizzazz, the panel said.
"Wake me up, it was boring," Henare told TVNZ as soon as it was over.
The panel agreed that Hipkins lacked assertiveness, however, noted that could have been a strategic decision.
Henare said Hipkins was being too "mild and mannered" which could be detrimental to his campaign.
"It ended up he was chasing Luxon… if that happens, you're going to lose," he said.
Cunliffe believed Hipkins needed to win this debate outright because he is behind in the polls but, in his eyes, it was neck-and-neck.
"I think it was close to a draw," Cunliffe said.
"I think Chippy was at his best when he was chipping but I think in the first half of the debate he gave far too much free run to Chris Luxon who made the best of it - he was well prepared and stepped up."
Henare disagreed, saying Hipkins could afford to lose or draw this debate because the next two leaders' debates would be the big deciders in voters' minds.
He compared National to France in the opening game of the Rugby World Cup and Labour to the All Blacks. He said Labour made some mistakes but will have to "get down and dirty" at the next game because it "doesn't look good at the moment".
He believes Luxon is in front and Hipkins needs his big "Up the Wahs" moment to surpass him.
The next leaders' debate will be hosted by Newshub on Wednesday, September 27, 7pm live on Three and ThreeNow.
