General Election to be held on 26 November

On 2 February, Prime Minister John Key announced that the 2011 General Election will take place on Saturday 26 November.

“I believe it is in the country’s best interests to know the date of the General Election early in election year,” said Mr Key.

“It creates certainty for New Zealanders and allows people to plan accordingly. This is particularly true this year when the Rugby World Cup, the third largest sporting event in the world, is being hosted by New Zealand.

“Last night I rang the Governor-General to advise him of the election date,” said Mr Key.

The Government’s intention is that the House will rise on Thursday 6 October, and Parliament will be dissolved on 20 October. Writ day will follow on Wednesday, 26 October, and nomination day will be Tuesday 1 November.

More information on the announcement can be found on the Beehive website.

Information on voting procedures for New Zealanders living in Australia will be available on this website closer to the date.