A sense the coalition might be feeling a little more secure

The latest 1 News Verian poll has National on 36-percent, up two - while Act is steady on nine-percent.

New Zealand First is up two to seven-percent - it's highest rating in almost eight years.

Meanwhile, Labour is down one to 32 percent - the Greens are steady on 10 percent and Te Pati Maori are on three, down one.

In the preferred prime minister stakes Chris Luxon is on 23 percent, Chris Hipkins is on 20 - and Winston is now third, on seven percent.

Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls says this points to people feeling more comfortable with the coalition, and are a little bit more uneasy about the left bloc.