Winston Peters returned to Parliament officially on Wednesday, hosting his first caucus meeting of the new Parliament with a host of new MPs.
But anyone hoping for some insights into what he wants in exchange for his support in Government will be left wondering as the stalwart of New Zealand politics didn't utter a word.
Welcome back to Wellington, Mr Peters. It's been a while.
The New Zealand First leader was back in the capital after three years in the political wilderness.
And he was greeted at Wellington Airport by his old foes – questions.
"Have you spoken to Christopher Luxon," asked Newshub.
"What is the most pressing issue for you in the next Government?"
"What has Christopher Luxon had to say to you?"
"Any non-negotiables?"
"Have you spoken to National?"
"You must be happy to be back in Wellington?"
All left unanswered.
Wherever Peters wanders - there's always a perspective from the public.
"Give those ACT Party bastards hell," said one member of the public.
"Keep up the gold card," said another.
But even that only drew a wave and the trademark grin.
That was all before he sped off, bound for his well-trodden turf.
But getting Peters into Parliament was a full-scale operation. He planned to enter through a little-known entrance. Newshub spotted him though.
"Mr Peters, have you spoken to Christopher Luxon yet?" asked Newshub.
So began round two of silence.
"Why won't you say anything Mr Peters?"
Returning NZ First MP Mark Patterson kept details tight.
"What's the plan for today? Is he meeting with Christopher Luxon," asked Newshub.
"I don't know," Patterson replied.
The New Zealand First team was down to business inside but the secrecy strategy was scuppered by a clear glass window into the room that Newshub found.
It was quickly fixed up with some frosting, before then a change of location by some of the team members.
Eventually, they went to a Select Committee room turned caucus room. But more questions were shut down by the party president Julian Paul.
New Zealand First then called for a rule change and Newshub cameras were turfed out of the corridor.
Variations of no comment echoed off Wellington buildings all day and at the end of the day the public was none the wiser as to Peters' plans.
Jenna Lynch Analysis
Radio silence on all fronts seems to be the goal here.
Problem is when there's power at play there is always different motives for morsels of information making its way to the media.
In a town like Wellington, particularly in this little neighbourhood, as Winston Peters discovered today, there's not many places you can move without the media knowing about it.
Newshub understands one school of thought is that negotiations might be better taking place in Auckland - away from the prying eyes of the press gallery.
But we couldn't really even get a straight answer on that from anyone, perhaps because they've not quite decided how its going to roll
We've done this dance before of course.
It may prove to be a long couple of weeks of politicians ducking and diving from letting the public in on democracy.
