To update my previous post Labour Party leader David Cunliffe has now conceded defeat after his party’s worst performance since 1922

I’ve called on John Key and I have congratulated him and I have acknowledged that he will continue to be the prime minister of New Zealand

With 99% of votes counted Key has 48% and is likely to have 61 of the 121 seats in parliament and can also count on the support of three small parties, giving him a comfortable majority.

The National Party’s share of the vote is the biggest by any party since New Zealand introduced proportional representation in 1996. National’s allies ACT, United Future and the Maori Party won a seat each and the New Zealand First Party will have 11 seats, according to the provisional results. The Internet-Mana Party funded by alleged copyright pirate Kim Dotcom failed to win any seats.

Says Key

National voters wanted us back and they voted for us in droves. This is a victory for those who kept the faith and refused to be distracted.

I’m sure our very own wizard from Down Under, Eamonn, will be casting his beady eye over the outcome in due course.

John Key returned as NZ PM for a third time

John Key returned as NZ PM for a third time