Who is Qiulae Wong? New Zealand's potential kingmaker after cliffhanger election

No clear winner in New Zealand polls; who is Qiulae Wong, the potential kingmaker? (Reuters photo) Qiulae Wong has been in politics for less than a year, but the 38-year-old could emerge as a key power broker in New Zealand's parliament after the initial counting in Saturday's general election ended without a clear winner.Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's centre-right coalition could secure a majority of just two seats, according to preliminary results released by the Electoral Commission. However, that narrow lead could disappear once special votes, which typically favour the left, are included in the official count due on November 27.If that happens, either the centre-right or centre-left bloc could need the support of Wong's centrist Opportunity Party, which is on course to enter parliament for the first time. Luxon's National Party and the Labour Party, led by Chris Hipkins, are expected to explore coalition options in the coming days and weeks.Wong, a former sustainable-business consultant, took charge of the decade-old Opportunity Party in November 2025 after responding to an advertisement seeking a new leader.She quickly oversaw a rebranding exercise and a dramatic rise in ...