New Zealanders are voting in a general election on Saturday 7 November, in a contest polls describe as among the closest in a generation, with the ruling National Party and the opposition Labour Party running neck and neck.

More than 2,300 polling places opened at 9am local time and close at 7pm (0600 GMT). The Electoral Commission will begin releasing preliminary results shortly after polls close and expects to report results from half of all voting places by 10pm. Official results, including special votes and overseas ballots, will be declared on 27 November.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, leader of the centre-right National Party, is seeking a second term for his National-led coalition. His main challenger is Chris Hipkins, leader of the centre-left Labour Party. Labour is aiming to make the coalition the first one-term government in nearly 50 years.

Cost of living dominates the campaign

The cost of living has dominated the campaign, with voters focused on inflation, petrol and food prices, housing costs and pressure on household budgets. Advance voting opened on 26 October, giving voters nearly two weeks to cast ballots before election day.

No government until talks conclude

Even once the preliminary results are known, New Zealand may not have a government for weeks. The country uses a mixed-member proportional system, and if neither major party wins an outright majority, coalition negotiations will follow. There is no set time frame for forming a government.

The Electoral Commission has strict rules on what can be reported on election day until polls close, including anything that could influence voting or turnout.