Winston Peters' self-imposed deadline to decide which major party to put into power has arrived. So after a week of coalition talks who’s he likely to choose.
NZ First leader Winston Peters says he has not yet made a decision about which party to choose for a coalition in government.
He also expects his board to have the same "open minded" approach when they meet this weekend to come to a final decision.
"I said I wouldgo into it with a totally open mind and I've asked my board and caucus to take the same approach," he said.
Peters has announced that, due to funeral engagements, it is impossible to get all of his party's board members together for a decision tomorrow.
NZ First leader Winston Peters is framed by the lift doors as he heads back to his office after coalitions talks with Labour at Parliament today. Photo / Mark Mitchell
"We are doing the best we can in the way we can best organise it ... this country is the same size as Japan. The same size as the UK. We are not a little island nation. It takes people time to organise things, particularly since we are coming up to Friday, Saturday and Sunday," Peters told media this afternoon.
Peters said it wasn't an option for those board members to dial or Skype into the meeting.
"We wouldn't want to do it by Skype. You wouldn't want to have a serious discussion like this, over hours on the technology of Skype. Too much can go wrong."
The "Kingmaker" is wrapping up negotiation meetings with Labour and National today and he will now present both proposals to the party's board.
NZ First leader Winston Peters and his negotiating team, including MPs Shane Jones, left, and Fletcher Tabuteau, after their coalition talks with National at Parliament. Photo / NZ Herald
He said the board meeting can happen any time over the weekend or maybe even on Monday, so no doubt the country will remain in suspense.
He added that he does not yet know who to support.
"I can honestly tell you I wouldn't take a guess what anyone is currently thinking."
