National's Watts dismissive of working with 'left wing' Opportunity
National Party MP Simon Watts has dismissed the possibility of working with the Opportunity party, labeling their policies as welfare-focused and tax-heavy. While other major party leaders have also expressed skepticism, none have officially ruled out a coalition agreement.
Why it matters
As the Opportunity party nears the threshold for parliamentary representation, their potential role as a kingmaker in New Zealand politics creates uncertainty for major parties.
National's Simon Watts has scoffed at the idea of working with the Opportunity party, telling RNZ "don't be ridiculous."
But neither Watts nor Labour's Carmel Sepuloni would rule out working with Opportunity.
The latest RNZ Reid Research poll has the party at 4.7 percent, right on the cusp of entering Parliament.
Energy Minister Simon Watts says Opportunity wants to "tax people more and put everyone on welfare".
Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong says the party could sit on Parliament's cross benches, if it can't reach a coalition agreement with National or Labour.
Speaking on Morning Report 's Political Panel, Watts said "don't be ridiculous" when asked about working with the party.
"Their strategy to get into government is to tax people more and put everyone on welfare.
"Well, that's completely against the principles that I believe in and that our party values believe in," Watts said.
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