Today the two leaders of New Zealand’s main parties go face-to-face in a live debate as they campaign to be the country’s next Prime Minister.

Tonight’s debate comes after a couple of weeks of intense campaigning by Labour and National, with Chris Hipkins and Chris Luxon travelling the country trying to get the necessary votes to form a government after voting day on October 14.

The 90-minute debate kicks off at 7pm and will air on TVNZ1 and TVNZ+. The NZ Herald will also be livestreaming and providing live updates so join us online from 7pm for all the action as the two leaders face off.

After the debate, the Herald will livestream the media standups with the two leaders.

Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins will go face-to-face from 7pm. Photo / NZME

After that, stay with us as our expert panel gives the verdict on how Hipkins and Luxon fared in their first big face-to-face discussion ahead of the election.

Moderated by TVNZ’s political editor Jessica Mutch McKay, this will be the first time that New Zealand voters see the leaders of the country’s two main parties going head-to-head in a primetime debate.

Luxon has repeatedly lauded Hipkins’ debating ability, seemingly in an attempt to lower expectations of his performance this evening, despite Luxon himself having been a champion debater at school.

There are several big issues to cover, from the cost of living crisis to crime, climate change and the housing shortage, among other topics.

The Herald’s political editor Claire Trevett has a comprehensive piece detailing what is at stake tonight and what each leader will be focusing on.

Ahead of the debate, both politicians continue their campaigns today, visiting several locations in Auckland. You can follow all the live updates from the campaign trail today here.

The leaders will depart Auckland tomorrow, with Luxon heading down to Dunedin and then Invercargill, while Hipkins visits Gisborne, Wairoa and Napier.

The Herald is your home of the election campaign. Join us as we bring you daily updates from the campaign trail, as well as expert analysis and up-to-date information on everything to do with the 2023 general election.