Counting down to 7 November 2026
Every date below is worked out live from the official timetable, so nothing on this page goes stale. Times are New Zealand time.
Time to election day
The full timetable
- Mon, 7 September 2026Candidate nominations open
Parties and independents can formally lodge nominations with the Electoral Commission.
- Thu, 1 October 2026Dissolution of Parliament
Parliament is dissolved; sitting MPs stop being MPs and the campaign proper begins.
- Sun, 4 October 2026Writ Day
The Governor-General formally directs that the election be held. Anyone enrolling after today votes by special vote.
- Thu, 8 October 2026Nominations close (noon)
The final list of electorate candidates and party lists is locked in.
- Wed, 21 October 2026Overseas voting starts
Voters overseas can download ballot papers or vote in person at overseas voting places.
- Sun, 25 October 2026Last day to enrol
Enrol or update your address by today to be on the printed roll.
- Mon, 26 October 2026Advance voting starts
Advance voting places open nationwide and run until the day before election day.
- Fri, 6 November 2026Election advertising ends
Campaigning and election advertising must stop by midnight before election day.
- Sat, 7 November 2026Election day
Voting places open 9am–7pm. Preliminary results are released progressively from 7pm.
- Fri, 27 November 2026Official results declared
Special votes are counted and the official result is declared — seats can shift.
- Thu, 3 December 2026Last day for return of the writ
The writ is returned with the names of elected MPs; the new Parliament can be summoned.