Ryan Bridge, Samantha Hayes, Patrick Gower and Jenna Lynch will host Newshub Decision 2023 Election Night live on Three and ThreeNow on Saturday, October 14 from 7pm, Newshub has confirmed.
Ahead of election day, the first Newshub live leaders' debate between Chris Hipkins and Christopher Luxon will take place on Wednesday, September 27 at 7pm on Three and ThreeNow. It will be moderated by Gower and will include post-debate analysis led by Lynch with guest panellists.
Gower has promised he will hold both Hipkins and Luxon to account.
"This debate will show us which Chris has got what it takes to lead. I can't wait to get back out there in the middle, on behalf of Kiwis," said Gower.
"I'll hold the leaders to account on the questions that need answering and the topics that need debating. We'll do all the serious stuff and have some fun too. I don't want to give the leaders too much advice, but they better be ready. My promise to New Zealand is this: I will put the leaders to the test."
Newshub will also have up to the minute coverage of every moment of the election campaign on Newshub Live at 6PM, AM, The Project and at newshub.co.nz.
"From our daily coverage of political manoeuvrings to feature events like our debates and election night special, Newshub's political coverage is second to none," said Warner Bros Discovery ANZ Senior Director of News Sarah Bristow.
"Our team has its finger on the pulse and works tirelessly to keep Kiwis across every moment leading up to October 14 - because those moments can change the course of an election."
Lynch, Newshub's Political Editor, added: "Elections are the one chance Kiwis get every three years to have their say about what kind of place we want New Zealand to be.
"Our team is committed to making sure everyone has every piece of information they need before casting their vote on October 14. We will be everywhere, capturing every moment, getting you closer to the action, pushing the politicians for answers about the issues that matter to you. We love doing this, we're pumped."
On Thursday, September 21, Newshub Nation will host a multi-party Powerbrokers debate featuring minor party leaders moderated by Rebecca Wright. It will take part in front of a live audience during the heat of the election campaign in Tāmaki Makaurau. Coverage will be live on Three and livestreamed on ThreeNow.
The Hui will host seven Māori electorate candidate debates and a Māori Issues debate with a live audience in the run up to Election Night. The debates will be streamed live via newshub.co.nz, Newshub's YouTube account and The Hui Facebook page from 8pm.
The Hui debates will be hosted by Julian Wilcox and start on Tuesday, September 12. The final debate is set to take place on October 5 and will be broadcast on Three on October 7 at 10.30am, following Newshub Nation.
Bridge promises the election coverage will make for a night to remember.
"Newshub's Election Night is the event you don't want to miss," he said.
"Samantha and I will guide you through the night as the results roll in. It's the political party you never knew you wanted but will love!"
Coverage throughout the night will include expert analysis from around the motu as the results roll in.
"I'm looking forward to being in the driver's seat on election night - the biggest night of the year. We have a brilliant panel of experts lined up who will break down what is happening, as it happens, and what the results mean for you," Hayes said.
Newshub.co.nz will also have live coverage throughout the night. On the following Sunday morning, Newshub Nation will present its live, extended 90-minute post-election special from 10am, hosted by Rebecca Wright and Simon Shepherd
Three's The Hui will also deliver a post-election special from 9.30am.
Newshub's Decision 2023 coverage summary
Election Night
- Saturday, October 14, 7pm: Newshub Decision 2023 Election Night, hosted in studio by Samantha Hayes and Ryan Bridge, Patrick Gower and Jenna Lynch. Newshub journalists will cross live from multiple locations around the country. Live on Three and ThreeNow.
Debates
- Wednesday, September 27, 7pm: Newshub Decision 2023 Leaders Debate with Chris Hipkins and Christopher Luxon, moderated by Patrick Gower and post-debate analysis hosted by Jenna Lynch with guest panellists. Live on Three and ThreeNow.
- Thursday, September 21, 7.30pm: Newshub Nation Powerbrokers' Debate: our multi-party leaders' debate for potential kingmakers this election, featuring the leaders of the ACT, Green, Māori and New Zealand First parties. Powerbrokers will be hosted by Rebecca Wright in front of a live audience during the heat of the election campaign in Tāmaki Makaurau. Live on Three and livestreamed on ThreeNow.
- Three's The Hui is hosting seven Māori electorate candidate debates and a Māori Issues debate with a live audience. The debates will be streamed live at newshub.co.nz, and The Hui Facebook page at 8pm, and YouTube live. They start on Tuesday, September 12 and the final debate is on October 5. The final debate will play out on Three on October 7 at 10.30am, following Newshub Nation. The debates will be hosted by Julian Wilcox who will be part of Newshub Election Night and Newshub Nation's post-election coverage.
The Morning After
- October 15, 10am: as the country wakes to make sense of its election result, Newshub Nation presents its live, extended 90-minute post-election special, hosted by Rebecca Wright and Simon Shepherd.
- Three's The Hui will also deliver a post-election special from 9.30am, October 15.
Newshub Nation is made with support from New Zealand On Air.
The Hui is made with support from Te Mangai Pāho and New Zealand On Air.
