Will's Word: Is the Opportunity Party the new alternative?

There’s a common idea that every political year officially kicks off at Rātana.

It’s where politicians show up to hear from church leaders and constituents before Parliament resumes.

This year was slightly different, with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon unable to attend because of the major weather events across the North Island.

Still, it was good to see, the Opportunity Party’s leader, Qiulae Wong, was there.

If anything, it signals TOP is serious about getting into Parliament come November 7.

Under this new leadership, the party feels more visible than it has in previous years. I’m a political nerd, so I probably see more of their content than most, but even accounting for that, their presence has been hard to miss.

Wong’s showing up to events like Rātana, holding meet and greets across the country, and pumping out video content online.

They’ve essentially moved straight into campaign mode.

Their pitch is also straightforward. They say they’re willing to work with either Chris Luxon or Chris Hipkins.

The Opportunity Party says they’re willing to work with either Chris Luxon or Chris Hipkins. Photo/file

No drama. No lines in the sand. No holding the country to ransom like we’ve seen under MMP before.

Just a message that they’ll work with whoever voters choose.

And it raises an interesting question about whether there’s space again for a centrist party.

They’re not leaning heavily into ideology or culture war debates. Instead, the focus appears to be on practical, policy-driven ideas.

Some argue New Zealand First already fills that role. But after 2020, its relationship with Labour has soured.

TOP is trying to position itself differently. And for Pacific communities especially, that approach could resonate.

Listen to Will's Word below.

Because many of us don’t sit firmly on the left or the right. We’re often a mix of both. Conservative on some issues, progressive on others.

So a party aiming for the middle may find an audience this election.

I wouldn't write them off just yet, if anything, they could be the new alternative.