National Party leader Chris Luxon is prepared to deal.Credit:Getty
However,he added he would be prepared to form a coalition with New Zealand First if that would get his party into power. He even left open the prospect of a sensational return for First leader Winston Peters as deputy prime minister in declaring himself open to a deal with the wily 78-year-old.
“My strong preference is to form a strong and stable two party coalition government between National and ACT,” Luxon said.
“I believe that government would be in the best interests of New Zealanders at this very uncertain time.
“However,if New Zealand First is returned to parliament and I need to pick up the phone to Mr Peters ... I will make that call.”
Luxon had been peppered with questions about whether he’d work with NZ First for months,having already ruled out left-leaning and far-right fringe parties.
On Newstalk ZB,he said he declared his hand due to believing a change of government was desperately needed.