New Zealand election TV debate: fears inclusion of fringe party may 'legitimise conspiracy theories'

Advance NZ could use the event on 8 October to promote misinformation about Covid-19, analysts fear

• Read all our New Zealand election coverage here

A fringe political party in New Zealand that has not featured in pre-election polling, and whose co-leader has been decried for spreading conspiracy theories about Covid-19, has been included in the roster for a televised debate on TVNZ, a state-owned broadcaster.

The invitation to Advance NZ has prompted concerns the debate could legitimise conspiracy theories in a country where online misinformation has not gained the same traction as overseas.