Listen: Winston Peters says New Zealand First a 'barrier' to extremism

Winston Peters denied making an election power play over Labour's tax policy when he spoke to The Country's Jamie Mackay today.

A Labour-led coalition with the Green Party would not be a good thing for New Zealand farming or the regions says Mackay who asks Peters if he sees himself as the "handbrake New Zealand needs in a Labour-led coalition."

Winston Peters says Mackay is not entirely correct and that New Zealand First is the "barrier" to extremism in politics whether it is from the "left or the right."

"I'd like to see us as a sail when it matters and an anchor when is doesn't," says Peters.

Also in today's interview: Winston Peters talks about the battle for the regions and his recollections of the terror attacks of 9/11.