John Key messages Liberal leader

Photo / NZ Herald

Prime Minister John Key says he has left a voice message for Australia's Liberal Party leader Tony Abbott amidst the election heat, but was yet to track down Labor leader Julia Gillard.

Labor and the Liberal-National coalition were neck and neck after the weekend election, and are now scrambling to try to get extra support from the Greens and independents.

Mr Key said today he called Mr Abbott and left a brief message commenting on the closeness of the election, but not having a direct phone number for Julia Gillard meant she had not had the same call, Mr Key said - although he did say he planned to have a crack at getting hold of her.

Labour Party leader Phil Goff said yesterday he was keen to see Labor get over the line and had been in touch with party representatives, and made a point noting of how quickly things could change in politics.

"A year ago it was almost a forgone conclusion that the incumbent government (Labor) would be re-elected and with a big majority," he said.

"It shows that a government that can be riding high one moment can be down in the doldrums the next."

New Zealand lobby organisation Campaign for MMP said the election situation showed that "old majoritarian" electoral systems such as those used in Australia and England were no longer fit for purpose.

"In the recent UK and Australian elections, the first past the post and preferential vote systems respectively used in those countries have failed to deliver single party majority government," said Campaign for MMP spokeswoman Sandra Grey.

Because of that, New Zealanders needed to question the rationale behind a looming referendum here which would include such voting systems as options, she said.

The Green Party also said the hung parliament in Australia showed why the MMP system used here was the best fit.

- NZPA