The opposition National Party has conceded defeat in New Zealand's general election.
Its leader Mr Bill English says he expects the current Prime Minister Helen Clark to form the next government.
With 82 per cent of the vote counted, the Labour Party was heading for 52 seats in the 120-seat Parliament and is almost certain to lead a center-left coalition for the next three-year term.
The Nationals are headed for only 27 seats, its worst result ever.
READ MORE
"I have ... just a few minutes ago spoken to Helen Clark," Mr English said. "There is a high likelihood of a centre-left government and as leader of Labour with the largest vote she now goes to try to form that government. I have wished her well."