National will need support partners to govern
With over 90% of the votes counted, National is on 48.41% of the vote, which would give National 60 seats in a 121 seat Parliament.
The National Party looks about to just miss in its bid to govern alone.
With over 90% of the votes counted, National is on 48.41% of the vote, which would give National 60 seats in a 121 seat Parliament.
That could yet drop further, as the voting booths still to come in being from areas National is not usually strong in, such as South Auckland.
However, while Labour is usually strong in those areas the vote may have moved to New Zealand First this time.
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters received a boost after the 'cup of tea tapes' saga went awry in the last two weeks of the campaign.
Prime Minister Johnn Key said he will not work with Mr Peters - an attitude which is mutual. New Zealand First is currently at 6.7%.
National will have the support of ACT and United Future but both those parties will only have one MP each.
The Maori Party looks likely to have three seats at this stage and these would probably back National, although National may face strife with them over the partial asset sales policy.
The Green Party has received its best result ever picking up over 10% of the vote and 13 MPs.
Rob Hosking
Sat, 26 Nov 2011
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National will need support partners to govern
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