New Zealand First leader Winston Peters wants the election delayed, saying there is now no ability to conduct a free and fair election on 19 September.
He said if Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern does not move the election, political parties will have only six days to campaign before overseas voting begins on 2 September.
Peters said voters need to hear from all political parties about their Covid-19 response and other policies, but until Auckland's alert level comes down the playing field is hopelessly compromised.
Peters wrote to Ardern on Thursday and has since had a conversation with her about his concerns.
National's leader, Judith Collins, wants the election put back to at least November or even held off until next year.
She said last week it would not be possible to have a free and fair vote in the circumstances.
Green Party co-leader James Shaw believes the Electoral Commission should be left to decide whether there should be a delay.
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On Friday Ardern said she was briefed by the Electoral Commission the previous day about the general election.
With Parliament due to be dissolved tomorrow, she would use the weekend to decide on a possible deferral or she would stick to the current date.
"I've got another 48 hours, I'm going to use it, and I'll come back on the question of the election."
Ardern has the power to delay the election to November at the latest.
She said it was important to note that the Electoral Commission had been preparing for the election to be held under various alert levels.
