A political commentator says leaks from post-election talks are rife this year.

The leaders of National, ACT and New Zealand First have now all sat around a table together, a first in their negotiations.

Prime Minister elect Chris Luxon has wanted talks to stay private.

But Ben Thomas says that hasn't been the case.

He says it may reflect the parties playing off against each other.

"There's the question of how Winston Peters is going to kind of conduct himself as part of this trio, and maybe part of that is distancing himself from the other two."

LISTEN ABOVE

A political commentator says leaks from post-election talks are rife this year.
The leaders of National, ACT and New Zealand First have now all sat around a table together, a first in their negotiations.
Prime Minister elect Chris Luxon has wanted talks to stay private.
But Ben Thomas says that hasn't been the case.
He says it may reflect the parties playing off against each other.
"There's the question of how Winston Peters is going to kind of conduct himself as part of this trio, and maybe part of that is distancing himself from the other two."
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.