New Zealand polls on November 26

Prime Minister John Key

Wellington February 2 The next General Election will be held on Saturday, November 26, 2011, Prime Minister John Key announced here today.

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

Mr Key said, “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,” he said.

Mr Key said he has advised Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand accordingly, although a new incumbent will be in place after August 2011.

Mr Key said that the Government’s intention was that Parliament will rise on Thursday October 2, 2011, and will be dissolved on October 20. 

“The Writ day will follow on Wednesday, October 26, 2011, and Nomination Day will be on Tuesday, November 1, 2011.

-Press Release