It's the day, the country gets a government.

Winston Peters will first tell Bill English and Jacinda Ardern of his choice this afternoon, before then telling the rest of us.

Should Mr Peters go left, there's conjecture over whether that would be the end for the caretaker Prime Minister.

Former New Zealand First MP, Neil Kirton told Rachel Smalley it would certainly be a knock to Bill English's credibility but he wouldn't rule out a return.

"I think what the country's seen is a very confident person and a confident Minister for sure and I don't think I would write him off entirely."

LISTEN ABOVE AS NEIL KIRTON SPEAKS WITH RACHEL SMALLEY