Chris Luxon has more work to do to convince Kiwis he deserves the country's top job.
The latest 1News Kantar Poll shows the National Party are in the popularity lead at 37 percent, compared to Labour on 34.
But the preferred Prime Minister rankings aren't as positive for the Nats, with Luxon on 21 percent and Jacinda Ardern on 30 percent.
The National party leader told Mike Hosking he'll be working to make more progress in the lead up to the election.
Luxon says he's up against a popular 14 year career politician, so has a very long job interview with New Zealanders over the next year.
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