It's looking like Maori electorate seats will remain - and local Maori are not surprised.
During his election campaign Winston Peters said if New Zealand First were in government, Kiwis would be asked in a binding referendum if the Maori seats should be retained or abolished.
However on Thursday night he said his party had not been delivered enough support to demand such a measure.
Rotorua Lakes Council Te Tatou o Te Arawa chairman Te Taru White said he wasn't surprised that by teaming up with Labour and the Greens it was something that came off the table.
"He did signal even before the election it wasn't something he was bound to."