The Opportunity Party has experienced a surge of support in the lead-up up to this year's election, and for the first time in the party's 10-year history, it appears that they may actually enter parliament. The latest poll puts them at 4.7% of the popular vote, tantalisingly close to the 5% threshold required to get their list MPs.

The leader, Qiulae Wong, is explicit about her goal of replacing Winston Peters as New Zealand’s political kingmaker, and a major part of the party’s strategy has been to position themselves as centrists willing to work with either side of the house.

To analyse this strategy, and imagine how TOP’s entry into parliament could change the political landscape, producer Toby spoke to Dr. Richard Shaw, Professor in Politics at Massey University.