Early voting opens in New Zealand

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the national election on November 7 would be decided on economic issues, as early voting opened on Monday in a race that polls suggest will be closely contested.



With voters frustrated by a sluggish economy and persistently high inflation, the cost of living has emerged as a key election issue, prompting competing policy solutions from across the political spectrum.



Luxon said his National Party had "the best plan" to help the economy to grow and improve affordability.



"We've worked incredibly hard over the last three years ... the plan is working, but we need more time," Luxon said after casting his vote.



Opposition leader Chris Hipkins said he hoped to form a Labour-led government before Christmas and would move swiftly to ease cost-of-living pressures.