Labour leader Chris Hipkins says he would answer a phone call from Winston Peters following the election, but remains steadfast in vowing not to work with the New Zealand First leader to form a coalition government.
It comes after the latest Newshub Reid Research Poll revealed Labour has just 26.5 percent of support and would need the six seats New Zealand First would get if Hipkins wants any chance of remaining Prime Minister, based on the poll results.
The poll results weren't great reading for Hipkins with the left bloc of Labour-Greens-Te Pāti Māori only getting 54 seats, well short of the 61 needed to form a government.
Support for National and ACT also tumbled, meaning the right bloc of National and ACT would only reach 60 seats, so Christopher Luxon would need to call Peters and ask for the six seats New Zealand First received if he wanted to form a government.
But despite all this, Hipkins is insisting he will not work with New Zealand First post-election when questioned about it on AM on Tuesday. Luxon suggested on Monday Hipkins would change his tune and ask to work with Peters if it meant Labour if he needed to.
Luxon revealed on Monday morning if National needs New Zealand First to form a government - and based on the latest Newshub Reid Research Poll they will - then he will call Peters.
In a social media video, Luxon said his "strong preference" is to form a "strong and stable" two-party coalition government with National and ACT, but if there isn't enough support then he'll be on the phone to Peters.
"If New Zealand First is returned to Parliament, and I need to pick up the phone to Mr Peters to keep Labour and the Coalition of Chaos out, I will make that call. Frankly, I think Chris Hipkins will ultimately do exactly the same thing," Luxon said.
However, Hipkins told AM co-host Ryan Bridge if Peters is the kingmaker, the veteran politician will be "talking to the National Party".
"I've made it clear that we're not going to be working with Winston Peters. We worked with Winston Peters in government for three years. I don't want to do that again," he said.
"I've been very clear on that. If Winston Peters ultimately is holding the balance of power, then he's going to be talking to the National Party."
When asked by Bridge if he would just ignore a phone call from Peters following the election, Hipkins said he'd answer it.
"Well, I'm not rude. Of course, I'd answer his call, but it doesn't mean I'm going to work with him," Hipkins said.
It comes after Hipkins in August ruled out working with New Zealand First and Peters.
In a passionate speech, Hipkins described New Zealand First as a "force for instability and chaos".
"I will not be seeking to divide New Zealand communities," he said.
"I've also considered how I intend to lead that I am successful in securing a full term as Prime Minister. In this campaign, I will promote the message of unity, and I intend to work with parties and leaders who seem to do the same."
Hipkins said that what Peters has been publicly saying makes it impossible for Labour to align with New Zealand First again.
"The rhetoric I'm hearing from Winston Peters in this election means I just don't see any compatibility with my vision for an inclusive, progressive and prosperous society," Hipkins said on Sunday.
"Winston Peters and New Zealand First are a force for instability and chaos, and that's the last thing the country needs right now."
Watch the moment Hipkins says he'll answer a call from Winston Peters above.
