The National Party leaders will discuss strategy around forming a government this afternoon, after they have "watched the rugby", says campaign chair Chris Bishop.
Bishop has told a Morning Report election special that National is in an "interesting position" around forming a government with Act. The two parties have 61 seats on current voting in a parliament of 121, says the Electoral Commission. Special votes are still to be counted.
Bishop noted the conciliatory remarks by NZ First leader Winston Peters and Nationals' Chris Luxon in speeches last night. NZ First has returned to parliament with eight seats on current vote tallies.
Bishop says the National party strategy group will meet this afternoon having watched the All Blacks v Ireland quarter-final of the Rugby World Cup.
The All blacks were leading 6-0 in the 14th minute.
