Green Party co-leaders Russel Norman and Metiria Turei were in a defiant mood despite polling about a third less votes than they had hoped for.
The duo met with thunderous applause when they arrived at the party election night HQ in Auckland just after 10pm.
The Greens had targeted polling 15 per cent, but fell well short.
"It is true we may not have changed the government tonight but we have made history," Mrs Turei said.
"We have proved we can lead the opposition and we will hold this government to account and will restrain their excesses."
