Prime Minister Bill English has called an election for September 23 after taking over as leader last month following the unexpected resignation of his predecessor, John Key. Speaking at a news conference in the Beehive today, Mr English said the date was chosen because it was almost exactly three years since the 2014 election. The general election must be held by November 18. GREENS EXCITEDjames_shaw_was_elected_co_leader_in_may_55a2ff9a99.jpg James ShawGreen Party co-leader James Shaw said today his party was excited about the election. STATE OF NATION SPEECHTomorrow Mr English will outline his election year agenda in a State of the Nation speech in Auckland.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 01, 2017 00:56 UTC