Shane Jones won't help New Zealand First vote: PM

Former Labour Party MP Shane Jones gives a hongi to NZ First leader Winston Peters in 2015 after the Northland byelection. Northern Advocate Photograph by Peter de Graaf.

Former Labour MP Shane Jones is "trying to find a home" and if he does run for New Zealand First won't make much difference to their vote, Prime Minister Bill English says.

"He's still trying to find a home," English said of the mounting speculation Jones will soon announce his candidacy.

"It didn't do the Labour Party any good when he was there. And I think it's yet to be tested - if and when this sort of game of seven veils comes to an end and he actually joins some political party.

"I think the idea that one person joining politics has a big impact at this stage of an election cycle is a bit exaggerated."

Jones was a Labour MP for nine years and served as Building and Construction Minister and Associate Immigration Minister. He retired ahead of the 2014 election to become the Ambassador for Pacific Economic Development, a role created by former Foreign Minister Murray McCully.

That role ends tomorrow and there has been speculation Jones will subsequently announce his candidacy for New Zealand First.

Labour leader Andrew Little said he wasn't worried Jones would capture any Labour-leaning voters. Labour could work with its former MP, he said.

"Let's assume that the speculation is correct, just for one moment, yes, I have total confidence in our ability to work well with Shane Jones. He is well known to and a friend of Labour."

Asked today if he was looking forward to having Jones in his team, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters was brief.

"We've got somebody here who obviously knows more about life than I do. Thank you very much. See you later."