New Zealand First leader Winston Peters says there is still a gap in the political marketplace for his party, and it is well positioned for next year's election.
As the party holds its annual convention in Christchurch, Mr Peters says New Zealand First is in good heart, despite not being in Parliament.
He insists the party's support is already more than 5%, although opinion polls more regularly put it at between 2% and 3%.
Mr Peters says the unholy alliance of National, ACT and the Maori Party is not going to last, and cracks are already showing.
He says the chances of an early election are high.
Mr Peters is expected to highlight economic issues, as well as the foreshore and seabed during the two-day convention.
