The leaders of the six minor political parties squared-off last night in what was billed as the debate of the kingmakers. But no-one seemed willing to take the crown, all six at pains to say the voters would decide the next government.

New Zealand's handling of the global economic crisis, and potential coalition partners after the election dominated TVNZ's minor parties election debate tonight. The leaders of the six minor parliamentary parties took the stage in their only televised debate of the campaign.

By Peter Wilson, NZPA Political Editor

A neat, almost stand-alone National-led government or a left-wing conglomerate stitched together by the Labour Party?

United Future leader Peter Dunne has thrown his support behind National, but Labour leader Helen Clark says his decision is unlikely to sway the election.

United Future leader Peter Dunne has thrown his support behind National, but Labour leader Helen Clark says his decision is unlikely to sway the election.

Opinion polls showing the Greens and New Zealand First gaining support are indicating the election could go either way. While National still leads Labour in all the surveys, Helen Clark could be in a position to pull a majority together with the backing of the minor parties.

New Zealand First was today's campaign winner with a double dose of good news.

A new poll out today has National in a position to govern alone, should the election result reflect its findings. The Herald-DigiPoll put National party vote support at 50.4 percent of decided voters, which would be enough to win 63 seats on election day.

New Zealand First secretary Anne Martin was aware of an $80,000 donation to the party which she did not declare, leader Winston Peters said this morning.

Political parties will be watching the polls even more intently after the latest survey showed the election could go down to the wire. TV3's poll, released last night, put Labour and the Greens in a position where they would together hold 59 seats in a 123-member Parliament.