The majority of both Labour and National supporters would back a coalition deal with New Zealand First if it's the only way for their party to take power.
As Act and the Greens struggle in the latest One News Colmar-Brunton poll, New Zealand First appears to be an increasingly unavoidable coalition option for the two big parties.
NZ First is the only small party above the crucial 5% threshold and leader Winston Peters is not revealing his preferences until after the election.
A swipe at the Muslim community in Peters' end of tolerance speech has made some Labour voters nervous, but when asked if the only chance to form a government was to do a deal with New Zealand First, 59% said yes.
However, 41% say Labour leader Helen Clark should refuse any coalition deal with Peters, even if it's the only way to stay in power.
National voters are more enthusiastic about the prospect and 79% say go ahead if it gets them into government. Only 20% say leader Don Brash should keep clear of Peters.
The latest polls also show a drift of New Zealand First voters across to Labour, which helps explain the lopsided view among Peters' supporters as to which way he should jump. Fifty six percent of NZ First voters say they would prefer a coalition with National, while only 32% favoured a deal with Labour.
