King-maker Winston Peters arrives in Wellington to strike up preliminary coalition talks

New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters is heading back to Wellington today as he prepares to strike up preliminary coalition talks with National and Labour.

Mr Peters holds the balance of power to choose which party will lead the next government.

He says New Zealand First staffers are doing the legwork so preliminary talks can begin later this week.

Mr Peters has maintained no formal negotiations will begin until the final vote is declared on Saturday.

But, he says he hopes to have a deal laid out by next Thursday.