Another slide for Labour in tonight's One News-Verian poll, with the National Party up two points to 39 percent, and Labour down one to 28.

The Greens and ACT are both down, on 10 percent.

Winston Peters' New Zealand First is back in the game, up one to poll 5 percent.

The Battle of the Chrises is neck and neck with both on 23 percent as preferred Prime Minister- Hipkins is up 2 percent, and Luxon up 3.

ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Labour's fighting a losing battle as National retains their strong lead.

LISTEN ABOVE