Prime Minister Bill English, on February 1, announced that this year’s general election will be held on Saturday, September 23. The last general election took place on September 20, 2014.
Providing “plenty of notice”, Mr English said that choosing this date will allow the PM to represent the country at global forums APEC and East Asian Summit, which fall in the latter part of the year.
“National will be campaigning on its strong record of delivering more for you and your family.
New Zealand is now growing strongly, stronger than most developed countries. We’ve got New Zealand back on its feet, got people into jobs, returned to surplus, invested heavily in infrastructure and core services, and tackled natural disasters.
“The challenge now is to sustain that growth, build for growth, and act for the people who most need our help,” Mr English said.
Soon after John Key resigned as prime minister in December last year, a number of National MPs decided to not stand in the 2017 general election. These include Education Minister Hekia Parata, MP Sam Loti-Iiga, Associate Transport Minister Craig Foss, and MP Jo Goodhew. This will result in new faces stepping up in the upcoming election.
Mr English also announced that his preference would be to continue working with their current political partners—Maori Party, ACT, and United Future—and it is unlike for them to partner with NZ First as there are “big differences” between the parties.
He added that the government “will be taking nothing for granted” as under MMP (Mixed Member Proportional) voting system, “elections are always close.”
Highlighting the growth and economy factor in his announcement, Mr English said that these two would be the key issues in the coming election.
“We will go into the election with a positive and ambitious programme that will build on the successes of the last few years, with a clear and strong plan to make you and all New Zealanders better off both at work and at home, and with the means to achieve it,” he said.
On the other hand, Leader of Opposition, Andrew Little, said that housing affordability, safety, access to healthcare, a stronger economy, and quality education would be the issues Labour would fight for.
"We're well prepared. Our teams are in place, our plans are well advanced, and we'll be working hard to convince New Zealanders we can help give them a fair shot at the Kiwi dream,” he said
Green Party Co-leader James Shaw said that their part is ready to take on the government more than it has ever been.
Meanwhile, NZ First Leader Winston Peters also said that his party is ready for the election. “All our planning and key events, such as the campaign launch and the annual convention, are set around this date. It suits us fine.”
With the announcement of the election date, the possibility of avoiding Mt Albert by-election has also been ruled out, which will now be held on February 25.
A by-election is avoided if a general election is being held within six months of the seat being vacated.
Key dates in 2017 general election
Monday, June 26: Launch of enrolment campaign
Tuesday, August 22: Dissolution of Parliament
Wednesday, August 23: Writ Day (Governor General issues formal direction to the Electoral Commission to hold the election)
Wednesday, September 6: Overseas Voting starts
Monday, September 11: Advance Voting starts
Friday, September 22: Advance Voting ends (Last day to enrol for the election)
Friday, September 22 Midnight: Regulated period ends (All election advertising must end and election signs must be taken down)
Saturday, September 23: Election Day
Polling places open from 9.00am to 7.00pm.
Preliminary results released progressively from 7.00pm
Saturday 7 October: Official results for general election declared