The role of deputy prime minister is believed to be one of the final issues holding up the formation of the next government.
Prime Minister-elect Christopher Luxon attempted to downplay the importance of the deputy role, saying earlier this week that it was "largely ceremonial".
But given the position appears to have been the subject of a tug-of-war between ACT's David Seymour and New Zealand First's Winston Peters, it's clear deputy prime minister is a role still coveted by some.
Why is that?
A stand-in prime minister
"Ceremonial" or not, the deputy prime minister is still the second most senior member of Cabinet.
The deputy prime minister steps in when the prime minister is unavailable, usually when the big boss is travelling overseas. According to the Cabinet Manual, the prime minister "may specify their expectations of the Acting Prime Minister" while they're standing in.
The Cabinet Manual also says if the prime minister is unavailable or unable to exercise the functions and powers of office, the deputy prime minister can do so.
In the event of the sudden death or incapacity of a prime minister, the deputy acts as prime minister temporarily until the government leadership is determined.
The former PM says the incoming government lacks experience, but could be balanced out by having an experienced figure such as Peters as second in command. (Source: Breakfast)
Perks of Parliament
No politician would ever admit that the salary and perks of office are what matters, however it's still worth looking at what the deputy prime minister is in line to receive for the job.
The annual salary for politicians is set by the Remuneration Authority. The review of those salaries is linked to the electoral cycle, with the authority legally required to begin that review within three months of the return of the writ of a general election.
The current annual salary for the deputy prime minister is $334,734.
This compares to a minister who is a member of Cabinet, who earns $296,007 annually, and a minister outside of Cabinet, who receives $249,839.
When it comes to the payment of allowances to cover MPs for out of pocket expenditure each year, the prime minister and Speaker of the House get a little more than other members of Parliament.
The prime minister's yearly rate of expenses is set at $22,606, while the Speaker's is set at $21,136. Everyone else's rate is set at $16,980 per year.
A symbolic victory?
But regardless of the responsibilities, the perks, and the salaries, the party leader that does snag the deputy prime minister title will likely also enjoy the optics of that decision — and what it potentially says about their negotiating skills.
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