New Zealand First is being given little to no chance of getting its abortion referendum.

The party this week blindsided their coalition partners by revealing they were considering calling for a referendum on the issue.

This is despite Justice Minister Andrew Little working closely with New Zealand First MP Tracy Martin on the legislation, which passed its first reading on Thursday.

However, the party is unlikely to get their wish. 

Political commentator Bryce Edwards says it doesn't have support from Labour, National or the Greens for it.

He told the Weekend Collective New Zealand First already knows that.

"They need to at least for their own supporters say that they tried to get a referendum because a lot of New Zealanders wants a referendum and probably other New Zealanders as well."

Edwards says this allows New Zealand First to state it tried to give New Zealanders a say.

This morning, Andrew Little told Andrew Dickens he is not bothered by the calls.

"New Zealand First are who they are and what happened is what happened. I'm not particularly fussed by it, it go through the first reading." 

Little says he isn't a fan of referendums as he maintains MPs are elected to make decisions.