Stance open to interpretation

Will NZ First go into coalition again? Winston Peters gives mixed messages.

Ruling out coalition with Jenny Shipley

November 1998, at the New Zealand First conference, three months after the collapse of the party's coalition with National, Mr Peters was asked if he would rule out coalition with Mrs Shipley:

"If she is leading the party, then, yes, I am ... We're not going to make the same mistake twice."

A preference for Labour rather than National

August 1998, on Saturn Television's Right of Reply show he was asked by Barry Soper if New Zealand First was more likely to form a coalition with Labour than National: "I think the public knows that. I think you know it. I think my party knows it."

The next day Mr Peters issued a statement saying suggestions that his party was more likely to go with Labour were "too literal an interpretation" of his comments.

A preference for dealing with either

July 1999, at the party conference, Mr Peters said in his speech: "We do not have the option of fence-sitting with no commitment. This party has the principles needed in government today."

His speech followed the clear direction of the conference that it did not want New Zealand First to sit on the fence.

The following remit was overwhelmingly defeated: "That New Zealand First should not coalesce with any party in government but should vote on an issue-by-issue basis in accordance with its policy and principles."

A preference for dealing with neither

October 1999, Mr Peters' message is: "We will, after the election, stay on the cross-benches of Parliament, voting issue by issue unless we find a party that accepts three things: the need for a new economic direction; that in good faith must be made to work for all New Zealanders; when it gives its word on a coalition agreement, keep it."