The latest political poll shows enough support for New Zealand First to put it over the crucial 5 percent threshold and potentially give it a say in which party forms the next government.
The 3News Reid Research poll was taken after the declaration by Prime Minister John Key that, unlike the previous two elections, he would be prepared to work with New Zealand First and its leader Winston Peters.
Winston Peters. Photo: NZ FIRST PARTY
National has dropped slightly to 44.5 percent, while Labour has risen 1.3 points to 33.5 percent.
Labour's likely support partner, the Greens, have also nudged up 2 points to 12.4 percent.
But the notable rise is New Zealand First, pushing up over the required threshold for election to Parliament at 5.7 percent.
However, Winston Peters won't say which party he'd be prepared to work with, saying that's up to the voters on election day.
Between them, the Labour and Green parties have 45.9 percent. Support for the Maori Party, ACT, United Future and the Conservative Party - if translated into seats in Parliament - is not enough to give National the majority it needs to form a government.
Radio New Zealand's political staff say this poll and several last year suggest John Key would have to do a deal with New Zealand First to stay in power.
Two of National's support partners, ACT and United Future, registered zero support.
The poll surveyed about 1000 people and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percent.
