During the government formation negotiations following the 2017 New Zealand general election, there was much public and media speculation a so-called "teal deal" between National and the Greens.
[4] National leader Bill English and Greens Co-Leader James Shaw both maintained if the other rang, they had a responsibility to listen, but the obligation did not go further than that.
It was soon revealed that Campbell was meeting English formally in his role as senior media relations advisor for New Zealand Rugby.
The Greens entered government for the first time, gaining three ministers outside cabinet (Shaw, Julie Anne Genter and Eugenie Sage) and an Undersecretary (Jan Logie).
A grassroots petition for a National–Green coalition (not authorised by either party) initiated by Christchurch-based organic fashion entrepreneur Clive Antony (a National supporter) acquired more than 3,700 signatures.
[8] When Simon Bridges replaced English as National's leader he stated his preferred coalition partner leading up to the next election would be the Greens.
[13] Speculation heightened during the 2018 Northcote by-election when former Green Party leadership candidate Vernon Tava sought (unsuccessfully) the National nomination.
National's then-deputy leader Paula Bennett said she thought the party had a chance of attracting Green voters who were upset of focusing on cannabis instead of more environmental policies.