Will’s Word: New PMN election poll is a wake-up call for National and a warning for Labour

The PMN News-Horizon Research Pacific Issues Election Survey should be a warning shot for the coalition and a reminder to Labour: that no political party can take the Pacific vote for granted.

Seventy-two per cent of respondents say National doesn't understand Pacific communities while 74 per cent say the same about ACT. Even New Zealand First has 59 per cent saying the party doesn't understand them well.

That’s a shocker.

But before Labour starts celebrating, I'd urge a bit of caution.

Yes, Labour is well ahead. Yes, Chris Hipkins is the preferred Prime Minister among respondents. That’s to be expected, given Pacific voters have always historically voted for them.

But my challenge to Labour is that if it wants to keep this support going and actually translate it into votes at the ballot box, then don't rely on history - go out and earn it.

Meanwhile, National has one hell of a mountain to climb.

And on some level, I genuinely feel for the party's Pacific candidates.

Because they often come onto Pacific Mornings, forced to defend the record of a government they’re not even part of yet.

They carry the burden of trying to convince Pacific voters that National understands them, but frankly they can’t do it alone.

If National is serious about getting Pacific votes, it can't just rely on its Pacific candidates only.

Listen to Will's Word below.

Christopher Luxon needs to show up. Nicola Willis needs to show up. The senior leadership needs to be more visible with our Pacific community.

ACT's result doesn't surprise me either. Expecting ACT to suddenly make major gains was always going to be difficult.

I understand Labour's argument for greater support with things like free GP visits and cheaper public transport. I understand National's argument that New Zealand can't keep borrowing and spending without consequences. I understand ACT's belief in personal responsibility and self-determination. And I get what The Opportunity Party is trying to offer as a genuinely centrist option willing to work with either side.

The point is I can see something I agree with in almost every political party right now. The challenge is no longer for me to find a party I can support, it’s for those parties to convince me why they’ve earned my vote.

And that’s a challenge I set for every Pacific voter.