NZ ELECTIONS

NZ election brings in largest Pacific caucus

Last term's four existing Pasifika MPs, Carmel Sepuloni for Kelston, Jenny Salesa for *Panmure-Ōtāhuhu, Aupito William Sio for Māngere and Poto Williams for Christchurch East, all comfortably won their electorates.

Aupito said he was grateful to receive such strong support within his electorate and to see that support across the country.

"I'm just grateful for all the people that volunteered throughout the campaign, and grateful that we've got a fantastic leader.

Collins' claims Samoa 'closed its borders a month before New Zealand' fact-checked as false

About 20 minutes into the televised debate, host Patrick Gower wanted to get the two leaders' thoughts on when a travel 'bubble' could be opened up with the Pacific.

"When will that be open for people to see their families or holiday - how quickly do you want to get the Pacific open?"

Collins answered: "A country like Samoa, it closed its borders a month before New Zealand did. So, so much for hard and early - they actually did."