New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has repeatedly refused to deny rumours of an unsuccessful coup against his deputy, Tracey Martin, by one of the party's MPs, Ron Mark.
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters - pictured speaking in Parliament (file) Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
The party's MPs were questioned about the apparent attempt to roll Ms Martin on their way into Parliament this afternoon.
Tracey Martin Photo: NZ FIRST
They all refused to comment, citing caucus confidentiality - including Mr Peters.
"I'm restricted by that, which we've had as a rule for 22 long years."
He was asked by reporters why he could not just confirm there had not been an attempted coup.
"Well look, excuse me, I just gave you an answer, which is total if you follow it slowly - we do not discuss caucus business outside of caucus."
New Zealand First MP Denis O'Rourke said that, while he was in the caucus meeting, he had no information about what had gone on.
He did, however, confirm Ms Martin was still the party's deputy.
Ms Martin herself refused to talk about anything that may have happened in caucus, saying she had no comment, as did Mr Mark.
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