Former New Zealand First deputy leader Tracey Martin is adamant there's no bad blood between herself and the man who rolled her from the job.

Ms Martin lost the deputy leadership to Ron Mark in a caucus vote on Tuesday.

Details of the coup were only revealed today, despite days of mounting speculation.

Ms Martin says losing the job hasn't created any ill-feeling.

"Ron has many, many more years of political experience than I do. I think right now he's the right fit for that job."

But, the second-term MP won't rule out another tilt at the deputy leadership.

"I think I did a good job and I think there might come a time in the future when once again, when I've had more experience, I might be the right person in that job."

Party leader Winston Peters wouldn't be drawn on which of the pair he voted for.

"It's like a contest between Richie McCaw and Keiran Read. Either one would've done. They're both talented and extremely good at what they do."

Mr Mark is widely considered as a likely successor to party leader Winston Peters.

But, the former Carterton mayor is keen to put to bed any speculation he's lining himself up for the leadership.

"You need to be very clear, I love riding shotgun for the boss."