12 Nov 2026
There's plenty left up in the air following last weekend's general election, so we break down what you can expect over the next few weeks, particularly if you're currently working on Government contracts.
In this article
What happened?
Unless you've been hiding in a reception-less corner of the country, you'll be aware that New Zealand ran its general election on November 7. We hope you took the opportunity to cast your vote and play your part in the democratic process.
Following the preliminary results on election night, it is too close to call what the final outcome will be, with no clear winner on the night.
We will not know the possible makeup of the next Government until the final election results are announced – including around 400,000 special votes yet to be counted – by the Electoral Commission on November 27.
The one thing we can say with relative certainty is that there is likely to be a significant period of waiting, discussing and debating as parties come together to try and form a coalition Government.
What happens next, and what might it mean for engineers?
Friday 27 November is the key date to watch out for. This will provide a much clearer picture of which parties are best placed to form the next Government.
The seven parties set to enter parliament based on the preliminary results – National, Labour, Greens, Act, New Zealand First, Opportunity and Te Pati Māori - can start having coalition talks now, but they will need to wait until the final official results before locking anything in. This means we could be set for a lengthy delay in forming a Government.
Using 2023 as the most recent example, the three-way coalition between National, Act and New Zealand First took around three weeks following the official results. Given the closeness this time around it's possible negotiations could take longer.
Once any agreements are finalised, the Governor-General will then appoint the Prime Minister and Ministers of Government for the next term.
Who's running things in the meantime?
We currently have a "Caretaker" Government in charge, which is made up of the previous National-led coalition Government and Ministers to keep routine and approved business running. Any significant, long-term or potentially controversial decisions are generally deferred, which would include things like major contracts and projects.
For engineers and those working on government projects, work that was already underway with signed contracts will continue as normal under the approved scope and existing agreements.
Projects requiring significant new funding decisions, contract approvals or major scope changes may face delays until a new Government is formed and Ministers are appointed.
Unless you are directed otherwise, you will continue to deliver on any contracted government work.
Looking ahead
Regardless of the outcome, Engineering New Zealand Te Ao Rangahau will be ready to engage constructively with the incoming Government and all parties represented in Parliament.
Whether the conversation is about infrastructure investment, resilience, housing, energy, workforce development or engineering standards, we will continue advocating for the issues that matter most to our members and to the profession.
In the weeks ahead we'll provide further updates as the Government formation process unfolds.
Key dates
|
Date |
What happens |
|---|---|
|
Date 7 November |
What happens Election Day |
|
Date 27 November |
What happens Official results announced |
|
Date Following weeks |
What happens Coalition negotiations |
|
Date After coalition agreements |
What happens Prime Minister and Ministers appointed |
|
Date By 14 January |
What happens The latest date by which Parliament must meet following the election |
|
Date Parliament returns |
What happens Government legislative programme begins |
