The National Government's lurch to the right has scuppered prospects of new policy deals between it and the Greens, the smaller party says - but National claims the Greens wanted policies that were unaffordable.
Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei yesterday morning confirmed talks about a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) between her party and National had now ended.
The two parties, who are at opposite ends of the political spectrum on environmental and social issues, found some common ground last term and agreed to work on initiatives including a subsidised home-insulation programme, pest control and toxic site clean-up.
Since the November election, where the Greens achieved their best result, winning 14 list MPs, the two parties have been discussing an extension to the previous deal.
Ms Turei said her party was disappointed National had decided against expanding the MOU.
"We presented them with a significant list of policy initiatives that included their own policy and ours, some which cost money and some which did not.
"I think it's fair to say National has hardened their right-wing stance since the election.
"The Greens are a much stronger opposition in this term of Government and there is much less room for agreement on policy ... We have been strongly opposed to much of their programme so far - their deal to sell gambling law to SkyCity for example, we are completely opposed to and we will say so very strongly."
Ms Turei also cited National's plans to sell state assets and the prospect of a renewed investigation of mining opportunities in the conservation estate.
A spokesman for Prime Minister John Key said in deciding not to broaden the MOU, "we took into account the quite different priorities and philosophies of the two parties".
"With a zero Budget coming this year, the Government did not have additional resources available for the policy priorities of the Greens."
However, National would continue to work with the Greens on the projects under way since 2009, the spokesman said.
