New Zealand opposition ‘rules out’ deal with Winston Peters
National party hopes move will weaken the Labour-led coalition ahead of vote in September
New Zealand’s opposition leader has ruled out a post-election deal with the party of the deputy prime minister, Winston Peters, setting the stage for a close contest at the polls this year as both major parties may struggle to form a government.
Peters, a seasoned politician and leader of New Zealand First party, has often played the role of kingmaker in the country’s proportional representation electoral system.