New Zealanders may soon have a clearer idea over who will form government nearly a fortnight after the general election.
NZ First leader Winston Peters has announced he'll hold preliminary discussions about forming a coalition government with the incumbent National party and opposition Labour party on Thursday,
Prime Minister Bill English and Labour leader Jacinda Ardern called Mr Peters on Monday, wanting to get discussions under way as soon as possible.
Mr Peters had said he'd announce on October 12 which side he would join to form a government, but both main party leaders think that's a very tight deadline.
Ms Ardern is looking at forming a three-way coalition with NZ First and the Greens - giving Labour government with just a one-seat majority.
National and NZ First could form a two-party coalition and hold 67 seats - a comfortable majority.
The final count from the September 23 election will be declared on Saturday.
