A deadline to decide the next government by today was too ambitious, says 1 NEWS political editor Corin Dann, who is predicting a possible decision by NZ First on Monday.
"Winston Peters took quite a while to acknowledge the deadline has been missed," Mr Dann said.
But no-one holds it against the NZ First leader, Mr Dann said on TVNZ1's Breakfast this morning.
"It was his own deadline, one or two days here or there isn't that much of an issue."
Negotiations finished yesterday, but ministerial portfolios haven't been discussed. (Source: Other)
"It's just the continued uncertainty about it that's a bit frustrating, and now the situation with the board suddenly having to fly in to Wellington... It just seems a bit odd they weren't on stand-by."
Mr Dann said there was "huge pressure" on the NZ First board.
"Ulitmately that board, in a funny roundabout way, is picking who the next prime minister is."
Formal coalition meetings have ended today, with Mr Peters missing his original decision deadline. (Source: Other)
He said secrecy around the board could be a stalling tactic, or as the members are not elected members of parliament, "Maybe Winston Peters is trying to protect them from scrutiny".
Mr Dann predicted Mr Peters would announce the decision on Monday.
Mr Peters had previously stated one or more of his board members had a funeral to attend, but walked it back when pressed. (Source: Other)
"But he did promise it would be by the end of next week."
SHARE ME