The Prime Minister has announced this year's election will be held on 7 November.
Christopher Luxon made the announcement from National's caucus retreat in Christchurch.
The date had been widely tipped beforehand, and Luxon said he chose it as it was a "logical time," with eight of New Zealand's last 12 elections also held in October or November.
"When you look at the international events beforehand, when you look at the national events, sporting events, that was sort of the logical time," he said.
The announcement began with a lengthy preamble of what National had done so far in government, including its tax cuts, education and law and order policies, and its reforms to the Resource Management Act.
Luxon said in the lead up to November, New Zealanders would have to weigh up who was best placed to provide "strong and stable" government in a "very volatile and uncertain world," pitching that National would provide a strong economy, safer streets, a world-leading education, and more affordable housing.
Luxon said the economic recovery was now "up and running," and a November election would mean National could "demonstrate
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