National tried to team up with Labour to get rid of Peters in 1999 - Hooton

STUFF: Former National staffer Matthew Hooton today said the party tried to get Labour to join forces in Tauranga in 1999 to knock Winston Peters out of politics.

Hooton, now a political commentator on Radio New Zealand, said it was not a bad idea for this year's election.

If Mr Peters can win Tauranga back it would ensure the survival of his New Zealand First Party. Without a seat the party needs to secure 5 percent of the party vote - something it has not come near in recent polls.

"There were approaches made from the National campaign to Margaret Wilson's campaign," Hooton said of the 1999 election.

The proposal was along the lines of: "We both know that Winston Peters is a destructive individual in New Zealand politics, how about you send an informal signal, Margaret Wilson, for Labour people to vote for Labour on the list and for me (National's Katherine O'Regan) for the electorate."

Left-wing commentator Laila Harre said Labour made the call to contest.

"It wasn't just her personal decision. It was a Labour decision to try and win that seat and they came close."

The three way competition in 1999 was fierce and Mr Peters only retained the seat by 63 votes.

Hooton said after that experience some Labour supporters may back National in the hope of eliminating Peters this election.

"There is an opportunity to take an important step to be sure that we are rid of Mr Peters."

Harre said Labour would be foolish to do anything to support New Zealand First's chances as the small party was likely to end up in support talks with National.

"For Labour to make it easier for him to win Tauranga would be a dreadful mistake for them in terms of the potential to put forward a Government."

Hooton said National had put up a strong candidate in Tauranga - crown prosecutor Simon Bridges - and he said incumbent MP Bob Clarkson was pushed.

While NZ First could be useful to National after the election: "I think they may actually be doing the right thing and thinking its worth getting rid of him anyway," Hooton said.