The 2020 General Election will be held on Saturday, September 19, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced this week, adding, “I’ve always believed that announcing elections dates early is fair. It improves the opportunities for New Zealanders to take part in the democratic process and gives a greater degree of certainty to the political landscape.” The PM has also advised the Governor-General of the election date. Giving other details, she noted that the Government’s intention is that the House will rise on Thursday, August 6, and Parliament will be dissolved on August 12. Writ day will follow on August 16, and nominations will close at noon on August 21. Advance voting will start on September 7. Subject to the passage of the Electoral Amendment Bill currently before the House, the last day for the return of the writ will be October 15.

-TIN Bureau