New Zealand Labour rules out ACT coalition, says NZ First partnership unlikely

Labour campaign chair Kieran McAnulty told the party’s annual conference in Wellington that Labour will not form a government with ACT and that a coalition with New Zealand First is "highly unlikely". He said Labour has a genuine shot of forming government with the support of only one other party and left the door open to possible partners such as the Greens. McAnulty also noted Labour’s intention to win back the six Māori electorates currently held by Te Pāti Māori, suggesting a direct contest rather than a coalition with the Māori party.

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has repeatedly rejected any partnership with Labour, calling questions about a possible alliance "wanker questions". The comments come ahead of the upcoming general election, where Labour, National and ACT are all vying for a majority or a stable minority government.