New Zealand’s next general election will take place on Saturday, 7 November 2026, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced. The news was shared during a National Party retreat held in Christchurch.
In New Zealand, the prime minister decides when to hold an election, as long as it’s within three years of the last one. Mr Luxon said he wanted to give people plenty of time to prepare, following the tradition of announcing the date early.
He explained that November 7 felt like a “logical time” because it fits well with other national and international events, including sports. Most past elections in New Zealand have also been held in late October or early November.
The prime minister said the National Party would campaign strongly to lead the next government and mentioned that they had worked well with their partners, ACT and New Zealand First. He said they were open to working together again but ruled out teaming up with Labour, the Greens, or Te Pāti Māori.
Mr Luxon said he informed ACT and New Zealand First about the election date the day before making it public. He added that while he can work in a coalition if needed, his main goal is to win as many votes for the National Party as possible.
With the date now set, all political parties in New Zealand are getting ready for a busy year of campaigning.
