Election 2026: All the most statesmanlike and skux fashion wins last night

Hoodies! Damp linen! Missing ties! Ahh, it must be a New Zealand election. Here are the best and bravest looks Emma Gleason spotted in last night’s coverage.

The biggest political night of the year was a high high-visibility event for aspiring members of parliament and everyone in their orbit. While the nation watched results roll in, coverage from party celebrations beamed across on newsfeeds and social media. Incumbents set their chins, presenters explained, pundits pundited and aspirants looked hopeful. After slogging away on the campaign trail for months it was finally, hopefully, time to celebrate.

For historic, career-changing moments such as this, how you dress is important (and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise). But politicians have a tightrope to walk on election night. There’s a balance to be struck between occasionwear and professionalism; you’re there to celebrate, but also present a capable image to the public. Certain politicians are adept at putting an ensemble together. Ideally you’ll look like a winner. Jacinda Ardern did in 2020, wearing a burgundy dress by local label Maaike. In 2023 Christopher Luxon wore a plain black suit and a thick, shiny blue tie; the message was simple. In fact, that year Chris, David and James all wore dark suits, white shirts and a tie in party colours. For many politicians, election night is not the time to start experimenting with fashion.

We expected fresh ties, statement frocks, a surplus of blazers and a shitload of slim chinos by Barkers. By 6.56pm we wondered whether anyone had been soaked by the biblical thunderstorm that drenched Auckland. Would Christopher Luxon wear a big, shiny blue tie? That answer kept us waiting.

While party leaders sat at home watching the results roll in, party faithful congregated at events around the country and The Spinoff had boots on the ground at all of them.  From supporters and staffers to journalists and, yes, the political hopefuls, here are some standouts from Election Night 2026.

Best party shirt at a party’s party

Tama Potaka.

Commitment to pastels

Basking in golden hour light, Matua Shane Jones wore his beloved powder blue suit to New Zealand first’s party, ditching the tie for a more relaxed look in the winterless north. Runner up: Mr Media Insider Shayne Currie, appearing on Herald’s panel.

Best tie 

RNZ’s resident silver fox Guyon Espiner has proved partial to a jazzy tie this election cycle and he didn’t disappoint last night, wearing a bold, Neapolitan striped satin tie for the 1News election panel. 

Glamazon medal

We were going to give this to Breen Seymour (David’s dad) and his partner Yumi Chen, channeling Gilded Age grandeur with a top hat, gown and statement necklace. Until Nicola Willis walked into the National shindig.

The Winston Peters trophy for tailoring and consistency 

Winston Peters, obviously.

Bravery award for damp linen

David Seymour wearing a Ralph Lauren Oxford – sans jacket and tie – for his arrival via boat.

Avant-garde award for pleasing pleats

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer – who has called fashion a “form of resistance and a statement” – opted for the effective subtlety of a sculptural black and grey ensemble. 

The clean and pristine prize, sponsored by Napisan 

It’s a three-way tie between Samantha Hayes, Amanda Luxon and Qiulae Wong (looking very much the parliamentary virgin that she is) all in spotless ivory. Runner up: Rebecca Wright and Tova O’Brien.

Rakish collar prize

Kieran McAnulty in Masterton, playing into the everyman appeal that’s won him fans this election. It’s the kind of collar that chews nicotine gum and says “yeah, nah”.

Most ubiquitous: the out-and-about soft shell jackets worn by every candidate in the two main parties and loathed by The Post.

Best high-low look

Chris Hipkin’s fiancée Toni Grace pairing a Hutt-worthy in a black hoodie (by Huffer) with barrel waved hair.

The Paula Bennet funky necklace prize

Golriz Ghahraman, making an appearance on Stuff’s panel.

Commendable hat-taonga combo, dedicated to Rawiri Waititi

Aperahama Edwards’s hei-tiki and potae.

Carpet Court award for plushest pile

Ginny Anderson’s wine-red velvet blazer.

Freshest grooming

Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke’s French tips and Ryan Bridge’s eyebrows.

Missing in action acknowledgment

Ties – no one wore them! John Campbell, Wallace Chapman, Jesse Mulligan, Ryan Bridge, Paul Henry, Shane Jones, David Seymour and Tamatha Paul all chose to go without.

Skux trophy

Tākuta Ferris's jacket and monster crayfish combo.

Most fabulous pocket square

Paul Henry (wearing pink footwear) made an early lead with a monochrome marbled flourish on the TVNZ panel. (Sorry Winnie.)

Best bridal look

Shannon, whose wedding took place at the same location as New Zealand First’s party.

The who wore it better joint trophy

Jack Tame and Paddy Gower’s charcoal suits and beige tie consensus.

The diva down memorial acknowledgment

Act’s pink carpet by the end of the night.