Prime Minister John Key says the recent boost in support for his government reflects a good start to the year.

The latest One News Colmar Brunton poll out last night had National up 5 per cent to 49 per cent, its highest level of support in almost a year.

That would give National enough seats to govern with the support of just one other MP.

Key told TV One's Breakfast the result reflected the fact that 2013 had begun well for National.

"We've been out doing things, Cabinet saw changes, apprenticeship programmes, all sorts of different things and frankly Labour's been a bit missing in action so that's been good."

He said the polls would bounce around before the election next year.

"I believe National's in good heart and I believe that we can win in 2014."

However Key said it would be tough.

- © Fairfax NZ News