Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern made an appearance supporting Diwali festivities in Auckland's Aotea Square this afternoon.
NZ First leader Winston Peters has gone to ground today, refusing to say where he was spending his time while National leader Bill English is in Wellington and Labour's Jacinda Ardern in Auckland for Diwali celebrations.
English and Ardern have a weekend of nervous waiting while staff coordinate over the details of the two packages that will be taken to the NZ First board and caucus for a decision on Monday.
Peters is believed to be in Auckland or Northland - but all he would say is that his party was still working on the agreements.
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters talks to media. Photo / Nick Reed
It is understood NZ First MP Tracey Martin and its chief of staff David Broome are overseeing that process for NZ First while National's chief of staff Wayne Eagleson and Labour's Neale Jones look after their parties' side of things.
The Green Party and Labour are also still finalising the details of an agreement between their parties.
The Green Party has to hold a Special General Meeting to secure support of at least 75 per cent of about 150 delegates for any agreement - although the most likely time is now Sunday night, the day before NZ First meets to make up its mind.
Green Party co-leader James Shaw said a teleconference booking had been made for every night since Thursday so the delegates were ready to vote as soon as required.
Ardern joins Diwali celebrations
Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern with performers at the Diwali Festival at Aotea Square Auckland today. Photo / Doug Sherring
Ardern and city leaders are at Auckland's Diwali Festival in Aotea Square this afternoon.
Auckland deputy mayor Bill Cashmore said Dame Patsy Reddy had to cancel because she was unwell.
Ardern has put up a YouTube clip to 'update' supporters on talks for the next government, saying it had been a "robust" process but important to ensure full consideration was given to the kind of Government needed.
Peters had given an initial deadline of October 12 to announce his decisions on a future government, and although formal talks wound up then the NZ First board will not meet until Monday to weigh up the Labour and National offers.
Ardern said it was only natural the process took some time. "If you're going to form a government, of course you need to understand one anothers' policy positions, where you have consensus, and the kind of Government you want to form. It's only natural that would take a little bit of time."
Ardern said while there was now some waiting to be done, the process was important. "It's the kind of process we need to make sure we give full consideration to the best government to take New Zealand forward."
Ardern went to Diwali Festival in Auckland today and told Radio Tarana she had no complaints. Asked if there were any hints which way the decision might go, Ardern laughed and said "no - you're asking as if I'm the one who makes them."
