Just under a week to go before polling day and National's raising the prospect of a hung Parliament or even a second election, if voters don't deliver a straight National - ACT government.
A few weeks ago, leader Christopher Luxon announced he would work with New Zealand First if he needed to.
But since then, National and ACT have been imploring voters for support - warning it could be a recipe for instability and chaos if that party is part of the mix.
National's campaign chair Chris Bishop has now upped the ante, saying there's a growing possibility National, ACT and New Zealand First could fail to form a government - which could mean the country going back to the polls.
Winston Peters says there is no way National would be purposefully treating New Zealand voters with such contempt and the "concerning" comments must be an "unfortunate misunderstanding".
Political editor Jane Patterson has more.
