The Green Party has been told it must be prepared to walk away from any coalition deal if it becomes part of the next Government.
The advice came from Australian Green Senator Richard Di Natale, who addressed the party's annual conference at the weekend.
He said the Australian Greens supported Julia Gillard's Labor government for a time, but then walked away from a formal alliance before the last election.
Dr Di Natale told the conference his party made a bold decision to send a message to the community that it aimed to replace, and not just influence, the Labor Party.
He told the conference the New Zealand Green Party must start preparing now for any post-election talks and to be clear about what it wants.
