Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Greens not ruling out confidence and supply deal with National

Updated at 9:01 pm on 22 November 2011

Green Party co-leader Russel Norman says there would have to be major policy concessions from National if it was to enter into a formal arrangement with that party.

Russel Norman says the Greens' top three policy priorities are addressing child poverty, improving water standards and the creation of green jobs.

In an extended interview on Radio New Zealand's Nine to Noon programme on Tuesday, he said the Greens have huge policy differences with National.

He says it is "highly unlikely" it would enter into a confidence and supply agreement with the National Party after the election on Saturday, but the Greens would consider it.

"Any kind of agreement would have to be focused on policy and that would both be making gains in our key areas, as well as looking at the other parts of National's policy agenda - whether it be welfare reform, which we don't agree with what they're up to, or asset sales, which we also don't agree with what they're up to."

A more likely outcome would be an extension to the two parties' existing memorandum of understanding, he says.

If re-elected, National says it will proceed with the partial privatisation of state-owned energy companies Genesis Energy, Meridian Energy, Mighty River Power and Solid Energy and reduce the Crown's shareholding in Air New Zealand.

National's proposed welfare reforms including introducing more work-testing for single parents on a benefit and replacing the current range of benefits with three new ones.

Listen to Nine to Noon interview with Russel Norman

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