PremiumAdam PearseDeputy Political Editor·NZ Herald·26 Aug, 2026 06:49 AM8 mins to read‌NZ First Winston Peters and his negotiating team during the 2017 coalition talks. Photo / Mark MitchellNZ First Winston Peters and his negotiating team during the 2017 coalition talks. Photo / Mark MitchellMost New Zealand voters will know little of the negotiations and strategy that go into forming a Government after election day.

So much of it is hidden from public view; limited largely to cryptic comments from party leaders as they enter and leave hotel meeting rooms, media speculation informed