Media stakeout begins over hush-hush coalition talks

By FRANCESCA MOLD political reporter

It was shades of 1996.

Journalists scrambled to call out questions, and television cameramen ran backwards to get the best shot as politicians raced to their offices, trying to avoid the rolling maul.

It was the first of the "secret" meetings between Labour and the Green party as they try for a coalition deal.

If the strategy was to play down the meetings and avoid the chaos that surrounded the nine-week negotiations between New Zealand First and National in 1996, it failed.

The aura of secrecy about the time and place of the meetings was like a red rag to a bull.

Media spent the day lying in wait for the leaders of the Green and United Future parties in the underground walkway between the Beehive and Bowen House, where both of the minor parties are housed.

This was the scene of daily chases in 1996, as reporters pursued New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, Helen Clark and then Prime Minister Jim Bolger as they marched to and from coalition talks after the first MMP election.

The first meeting between the Greens and Labour's team, comprising Prime Minister Helen Clark, Finance Minister Michael Cullen and chief of staff Heather Simpson, lasted just over an hour.

But when the Green Party's co-leaders and policy experts emerged, they were not keen to talk.

"I'm not making any further comment on the discussions except to say we had a useful talk," said Jeanette Fitzsimons.

She said she didn't know when another meeting would be held. "Everything" was on the agenda, and nothing had been resolved.

Asked why there was such secrecy, she replied: "Because you cannot possibly negotiate with people through the media."

But United Future leader Peter Dunne was happy to stop and talk after his meeting with Labour.

"We had a very useful discussion ... But I'm not discussing the details, talks are ongoing."

Mr Dunne said it was possible the negotiations would only take two weeks, as had been suggested by Helen Clark.

"I don't think New Zealanders are in any mood for this process to be drawn out," he said.

Asked about the secrecy, he said: "Well they [the talks] have got to be conducted in good faith between the parties and that's the way we're approaching it."

Mr Dunne said his party may also meet the Greens.

"We're talking with Labour about an arrangement by which we can work together. What arrangements are entered into with other parties is Labour's business."

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