National, ACT and New Zealand First have reached an agreement to form the next government of New Zealand.
Speaking to media at Parliament this afternoon, incoming prime minister Christopher Luxon said he was very pleased about the announcement.
"Those agreements are now before the parties for ratification, which we hope to have this evening, at which point I'll talk again to the Governor-General and formally confirm that we are able to form a government."
He said a formal signing would happen tomorrow morning, and announce Cabinet and ministerial responsibilities in the afternoon.
That was with the aim of holding a swearing-in on Monday, he said. Parliament would likely sit on December 5.
"And get the show moving, and get this country going forward."
Asked who would be the deputy prime minister, he said it would be revealed tomorrow.
National, ACT and NZ First have finished negotiating, but the incoming PM still won’t say who his deputy prime minister will be. (Source: 1News)
"I'm really proud of the negotiations, it's 20 days since we had our special votes confirmed ... when you see the agreements tomorrow you'll see how comprehensive they are."
He said there was "specificity" in the agreements and every party had "made concessions", though there was "massive alignment" on goals.
He said "not really" did he feel political pressure to get the deal done, with the final issue concluded this morning, he said.
In a statement this afternoon, party leaders Luxon, David Seymour and Winston Peters said a deal had been reached, 40 days after the election and nearly three weeks since the special votes were finalised.
"Negotiations to form a government that will deliver for all New Zealanders have concluded," they said.
"The parties are now going through their respective party processes for final sign-off and we expect that process to be completed this evening.
"Subject to agreement by all parties, a signing ceremony will take place tomorrow at Parliament."
The statement did not shed light on who would be deputy prime minister. However, National deputy leader Nicola Willis yesterday said she was "not in the race" for the job.
"I'm interested in the role of governing, and David and Winston will do a great job as deputy prime minister," she said.
But Peters appeared to pour cold water on the possibility of the job being shared between himself and Seymour earlier today.
"We’ve never had a co-deputy prime minister ever," he told reporters outside NZ First's base outside Treasury.
"Why are we starting an argument there? We’ve never had one in this country, why would you say that’s the case?"
Following the sign-off, Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro must ensure the incoming government has the "confidence of the House" – usually achieved through public statements from political leaders and the publication of any party agreements. Dame Cindy will then appoint the government, based on the result of the election, and on behalf of the King.
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