New Zealand general election, 20th September 2014

[njwes]

New Zealanders definitely voted National & thr right & they've got a National government whose deserved majority will be effectively bolstered by the ACT member for Epsom & Peter Dunne's UF seat to be 63/120

That would be 65 seats if you count the two Maori MPs who were just elected, and with whom PM John Key is also negotiating to form a government.  

Why bother negotiating with the Maori Party MPs as well? For the sake of broader inclusion?

Also, how strict/strong is party discipline in NZ? Would it be very difficult for the Nationals to maintain a government with their 61 seats exactly (or maybe +1 for the ACT MP)?

[njwes]

New Zealanders definitely voted National & thr right & they've got a National government whose deserved majority will be effectively bolstered by the ACT member for Epsom & Peter Dunne's UF seat to be 63/120

That would be 65 seats if you count the two Maori MPs who were just elected, and with whom PM John Key is also negotiating to form a government.  

Why bother negotiating with the Maori Party MPs as well? For the sake of broader inclusion?

Besides further padding their majority, the Nationals think it worthwhile to include the Maori Party since it was part of the previous coalition which seemed to have worked out satisfactorily for both parties.  Also, settling Treaty of Waitangi claims is a part of the National Party platform.  And the Nationals seem to have a good track record on it.  

And I'll leave it to those more knowledgeable to answer your other questions....

Ah ok, if they work well together it seems like a good move. It'd be fun to see a breakdown of the Maori vote (those not registered to vote in the Maori districts), wonder if there was an exit poll of any kind.