Your Daily Ten@10 - 2026/025

THE GOOD OIL February 15, 2026

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This is edition 2026/025 of the Ten@10 newsletter.

Hi all,

This is the Ten@10, where I collate and summarise ten news items you generally won't see in the mainstream media.

Enjoy!

Are Labour and the Greens ready for a coalition with NZ First?

Bryce Edwards

🗳️ NZ First's Surge : Polls show NZ First at 9.8%, with steady growth. Peters has mastered the balancing act of playing the populist at home while cultivating an elder-statesman image abroad.
🤔 Balance of Power : With Labour at 35%, National at 31.9%, and NZ First at 9.8%, the next government hinges on NZ First's support. Peters could decide which side governs.
📊 Strategic Flexibility : Peters has governed with both Labour and National, and his ability to shift sides makes him a critical player for either bloc. His flexibility gives him leverage to negotiate the best deal.
⚖️ Labour's Dilemma : Labour may need NZ First to form a government. Despite previous tensions, they could partner again to avoid staying in opposition, with Peters possibly becoming PM.
🌱 Greens' Conundrum : The Greens may be shut out if Labour partners with NZ First. However, they would likely support the government to prevent a right-wing coalition, despite their ideological differences with Peters.
💼 The Left's Silent Struggle : The left avoids discussing the possibility of a Labour-NZ First government, knowing it risks alienating their base. However, polls indicate that without NZ First, their chances of winning are slim.
🏛️ Peters' Paradox : Peters plays to both left and right interests, supporting policies like wage increases and social protections while opposing cultural liberalism. This makes him a viable partner for either side.

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