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Rodney Hide - Source: ONE News -
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Act Party supporters are being asked to come up with ways to keep their party alive, during its first term supporting a National-led government.
The call came as members gathered in Auckland to celebrate their post-election success.
Prime Minister John Key was the special guest at the gathering, wearing the two parties colours on his tie and his admiration for Act leader Rodney Hide on his sleeve.
"He's always reasonable, prepared to see things from our perspective," Key says of Hide.
Mutual respect came from Hide too.
"He has an extraordinary ability to bring out the best in people," says Hide of Key.
Despite the mutual affection, the question is how does Act operate as a government ally, while ensuring its identity isn't smothered by its larger partner.
The party ramming home the difference by slamming National's recession-busting plan, to create a nine-day fortnight for workers.
"I think it's an idea of rationing the jobs rather than making the country more productive," says Hide of the plan.
