"We will now crack on with the clarity that we have" - Christopher Luxon
The final act of the 2023 election has reset the calculus, blowing apart National's dream scenario and driving up the price for forming government.
With NZ First's support now a requirement, Winston Peters is sure to demand more in negotiations.
It took 20 days to recount all the ballots - to add in those so-called special votes, to check for mistakes or fraud - finally delivering a bombshell.
When Christopher Luxon spoke to his jubilant supporters on election night, he knew all too well the National-ACT majority on "current numbers" could disappear on the final count, and followed his remarks by acknowledging Peters' offer to help.
That exchange takes on much greater significance now the 600,000 special votes have dissolved that majority, with National losing two seats - giving them just 59 seats with ACT, and in need of NZ First's eight MPs for a majority.
It's a scenario Luxon called a "last resort" during the campaign, an outcome he was prepared to make work - but did not want. He may be putting on a brave face, but it is evident the numbers have made his job harder.
During the election campaign, ACT's David Seymour ruled out the prospect of sitting round the Cabinet table with one Winston Peters, but the cold hard reality of the numbers prompted a post-election rethink.
"I think it's possible," he told reporters, now saying the deal could take less than a week to negotiate.
Speaking on The Platform, Peters also expressed optimism a deal could be struck "much more quickly than people think".
The clock is ticking.
In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Editor Jane Patterson speaks to Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch, analysing the state of play after the final election result.
Listen free to Focus on Politics on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, on iHeart Radio or wherever you get your podcasts.
RNZ
