With almost all votes counted National and John Key have won a third term and are close to being able to govern alone if
they so choose.
Key has indicated he will still reach out to form a Government with ACT, United Future and Maori Party.
With 99.6 percent of the vote counted National had 48 percent, Labour 24.6 and the Greens 10. Though special votes might
change the margins it is certainly a victory for Key defying the political gravity which usually hits parties seeking a
third term. Increasing National’s party share is a remarkable political achievement.
Initial projections had National winning 61 seats, Labour 32, Greens 13 and NZ First 11 seats with Winston Peters
picking up 8.85 percent of the vote.
The Internet Mana Party appears to be wiped out after Kim Dotcom spent millions, but lost it all as Hone Harawira lost
his seat. The Greens failed to make any inroads despite strong polling and the Conservative Party fell short despite
spending big money.
Labour Leader David Cunliffe conceded he could not form a Government by 11pm. The telling fact was even in Cunliffe’s
seat National won more of the party vote than Labour. This pattern has been repeated all over the country.
Cunliffe’s concession speech implied he intended to fight on as Leader and seek to contest the next election.
Key simply said “three more years” and the vote was for those who were not distracted and stuck to the issues.
Key indicated he would seek to form a Government with other parties.