The 2017 New Zealand general election will take place on Saturday 23 September 2017 to determine the membership of the 52nd New Zealand Parliament. The previous parliament was elected on 20 September 2014 and was set to expire on 10 October 2017 if not dissolved earlier. It was dissolved on 22 August 2017.Voters will elect at least 120 members to the House of Representatives, with 71 electorate members and 49 list members. New Zealand uses the Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) voting system, which gives voters two votes: one for a political party and one for their local electorate MP. Parties receive seats in Parliament in proportion to their party vote share; seat are filled firstly by winning electorate candidates and secondly by candidates on the party's list. Extra seats may be added to the house where there is an overhang, caused by a party winning more electorates than seats it is entitled to under the party vote.
The centre-right National Party, led by Prime Minister Bill English, has governed since 2008 in a minority government with confidence and supply from the Māori, ACT and United Future parties. The main opposition parties to the National government are Labour (the official opposition), led by Jacinda Ardern, the Green Party, and New Zealand First. It will be the first election for Bill English as incumbent Prime Minister, having replaced John Key on 12 December 2016.23 September 2017 (Saturday) Election day – polling places open 09:00 to 19:00
Preliminary results released progressively after 19:00
7 October 2017 (Saturday) Official results declared
12 October 2017 (Thursday) Writ for election returned; official declaration of elected members (subject to judicial recounts)
