Prime Minister Bill English has tried to call Winston Peters, but has had no response.

Bill English would like to have preliminary discussions because there's 'quite a complex process to be worked through'.

English expects to have a better idea of what Peters is after by the end of the week but he said waiting for the specials to be counted could mean it's a bit of a stretch to form a coalition.

"We've done three coalition agreements each one of them's been different, they've all taken a while and I don't think the special [votes]will make much difference.

"By the end of the week he'll have a reasonably better idea of what amounts to what he requires, we all have a pretty clear idea of what's going to help a strong government."

English hasn't ruled out a deal with the Greens but said it would be unlikely.

"The Greens have consistently said a vote for them was a vote to change the government, and by that I think they mean to a Labour-Greens government.

"It does look like a big shift from them to seriously be negotiating just with National."

English is waiting 'for an indication' that the Greens would be willing to negotiate.

LISTEN ABOVE AS BILL ENGLISH SPEAKS TO LARRY WILLIAMS