From election night victory speech to opposition

No one would have predicted from watching Bill English's election night speech that National would end up on the opposition benches.

Things have changed since September 23, when Bill English claimed victory and Jacinda Ardern virtually admitted defeat.

Bill English gave a victory speech on the night, peppering his talk with words like "success" and "celebrate".

"Let's take a moment tonight to celebrate the hard work and success of the National party," he began.

The National leader emphasised the number of votes National received, and that it was more than any other party.

"But it's not so much the numbers that matter but that expression of confidence that so many people have in the direction of this proud and confident small country.

"No one expected that just three weeks ago."

From the speech, it seemed English did not expect yesterday's coalition announcement three weeks ago.

His body language was that of a winner, as he stood on the stage with arms raised while supporters released balloons.

English has gone from looking and sounding like a victor, to leader of the opposition.

He beamed at the audience throughout the speech. Deputy leader Paula Bennett stood behind him, only putting down a bouquet of flowers to applaud.

Ardern was far from claiming victory on the night, instead suggesting she let Labour's supporters down.

"I haven't done as well for them as I would have liked," she admitted, despite shouts from supporters to the contrary.

No balloons for Jacinda Ardern at the Labour Party HQ on election night. Photo/File

"Bill English and National have taken the largest number of votes and I have called him and acknowledged that."

It was not quite a concession, but close. Ardern's disappointment was clear.

She hinted that Winston Peters could still choose Labour, but lacked English's confidence.

"I cannot predict at this point what other leaders will do," she told supporters.

"We will remain relentlessly positive."

English maintained during the weeks of waiting that National had the strongest mandate - and moral authority - to form a government as it received the most votes.

Special votes narrowed the margin, giving Labour and the Greens two extra seats and eliminating the problem of a government ruling with a majority of only one.

Still, as English said, it's not the numbers that matter.