Haere mai, hoki mai rā — welcome back to your New Zealand newsletter.

With mere days until election day, is there anything left to say? Most definitely, yes — and I don’t just mean by the politicians themselves. Our two profiles of Jacinda Ardern and Judith Collins place both party leaders in the context of their careers and these unusual times to explain what motivates them, and perhaps what voters see in them, too.

Elsewhere, we examine the rise of ACT during this election, something that will have major implications for the shape and style of the next parliament. And the sad reality of our child poverty statistics being predicted to climb due to COVID-19 is a reminder that beyond the hustle and hype of the campaign, huge challenges await the next government.

You’ll find much more to read here and on our homepage. And on Sunday we’ll be sending you a special newsletter with expert analysis and coverage of the election result. Remember, if you have a friend or family member who might be interested in receiving this special newsletter too, ask them to sign up using this link.

Till after the election, then, ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa.