Labour leader Jacinda Ardern talks tertiary education policy and Winston Peters with Mike Hosking, ahead of tonight's leaders' debate.

Also hosted by Hosking, the debate will give the public its first chance to compare the new Labour leader with Prime Minister Bill English, side by side.

Viewers can listen to the debate live tonight from 7pm on Newstalk ZB and watch on TV One.

An hour before the debate starts, the results of the latest Colmar Brunton poll will tell Ardern whether the surge in support for Labour has continued, slowed or stopped.

This morning, Hosking talked to Ardern about Labour's newly announced policy, which is promising students one free year of tertiary education from the start of next year.

The no-fees policy will extend to two years by 2021 and three years by 2024.

Labour will also increase student allowances by $50 to $220 a week and reinstate allowances for postgraduate students and those studying for more than seven years.

The pair also discussed the Winston Peter superannuation overpayment saga, which has raised questions about the 'no surprises' policy and just how much sharing of private information is happening within Government.

WATCH ABOVE AS JACINDA ARDERN SPEAKS WITH MIKE HOSKING