New Zealand election: Luxon says National open to NZ First coalition

National leader ends long-running question over whether party is prepared to work with Winston Peters

After months of prevarication, National leader Christopher Luxon has said he will pursue a coalition with Winston Peters' New Zealand First after the October election, but only as a last resort.

Luxon even left open the prospect of a sensational return for Peters as deputy prime minister in declaring himself open to a deal with the politician.