Wellington - New Zealand's conservative National Party appeared set to oust the Labour-led coalition that has ruled for the last nine years after Saturday's general election.

With 88 per cent of the party vote counted, Television New Zealand predicted the Nationals and their allies would have 69 seats in the new parliament against 53 for Labour and their Green coalition partners.

But Mike Williams, president of the Labour Party, refused to concede defeat as counting in the main cities continued.

New Zealanders have two votes - one for their local constituency member of parliament and the other for a party. The party vote is the most important in deciding the government.

The Nationals had 45 per cent of the vote against Labour's 33 per cent, with the Greens the only other party above the 5 per cent needed to guarantee seats in parliament.

The Maori Party was also polling well and on course to win at least five of the seven seats reserved for the indigenous people. (dpa)