Luxon says he will work with whoever is needed for second term

National leader Christopher Luxon has stated he will work with "whoever I have to" to secure a second term. While campaigning at a supporters-only rally in Greymouth on Thursday, Luxon also vowed to support mining.

Luxon's office and National campaign chair Simeon Brown have clarified that these comments do not signal a change in policy regarding the Opportunity Party. A spokesperson for Luxon said the Prime Minister was actually referring to working with ACT and New Zealand First MPs. Brown added that the party's position remains that they will not make a deal with Opportunity.

The remarks follow speculation that National might soften its stance on Opportunity, which recent polls suggest could be a kingmaker. Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong responded that she might speak to Labour on election night if Luxon maintains his current position.

In contrast, ACT leader David Seymour told supporters in Wānaka that he is open to a coalition with Opportunity to prevent a left-wing government. Meanwhile, Labour's campaign chairperson Kieran McAnulty said he would prefer to work with Opportunity than Te Pāti Māori.

How it developed

• Fri 16 Oct, 9:05amNational campaign chair Simeon Brown and MP Paul Goldsmith provided further clarification that the Opportunity Party is not part of National's coalition considerations.

Where reports differ

• Reports differ on whether Luxon's comments were interpreted as a softening of his position on the Opportunity Party.

Compiled from reports by Stuff, The Press, NZ Herald, Otago Daily Times and RNZ.