Bill English's announcement that the general election will be held on Saturday September 23 has been greeted by opposition leader Andrew Little.

Confirmation of the General Election date of September 23 brings New Zealand one step closer to electing a new government that will give hope to all those left behind by National, says Andrew.

'Bring it on – we're ready and raring to go so we can change the Government and build a better New Zealand.”

The housing crisis needs to be fixed urgently to make first homes more affordable, help Kiwis get the health care they need and build the world class education system parents expect for their kids, says Andrew.

Prime Minister Bill English says he's announcing the election date early as he believes it's important to provide the country with some certainty.

'And that it's in everyone's best interest to have plenty of notice,” says Bill.

National will be campaigning on its strong record in Government and will go into the election with a positive and ambitious programme that will back New Zealanders to succeed.

'I am proud of what we are achieving for New Zealanders.

'Our economy continues to grow and diversify, more kids are staying at school longer and getting better qualifications, more people are getting faster and more efficient healthcare, we are investing at record levels in key infrastructure projects like schools, roads and ultra-fast broadband and we are supporting our most vulnerable by increasing benefit rates and investing in programmes to support them into work.

'New Zealand is well placed compared to many other countries. That's down to the hard work of households and businesses across the country, backed by the National-led Government's clear and successful plan for our future.

'The challenge for our country now is to sustain that growth and build on it to deliver more again for all New Zealanders.”

The Government's intention is that the House will rise on Thursday, August 17, and Parliament will be dissolved on August 22.

Writ day will follow on August 23, and nominations will close at noon on August 29. The last day for the return of the writ will be October 12.

Bill English today outlined the parties National will consider working with following the General Election.

Prime Minister Bill English.

'Under MMP elections are always close so we will be taking nothing for granted as we campaign for the right to lead New Zealand for another term,” says Bill.

'We will be fighting hard to win every party vote to ensure we are in the best possible position to form a strong and stable Government that continues to deliver for all New Zealanders.

'However, MMP means we will almost certainly have to work with other parties. This will likely be in the form of confidence and supply agreements, which have worked well for us in the last three terms.”

His preference is to continue working with current partners - ACT, United Future and the Maori Party.

He ruled out working with the Labour-Greens grouping.

'They are an increasingly far left, inward looking grouping, with no new ideas who don't back New Zealanders to succeed,” says Bill.

He didn't rule out New Zealand First saying that although it is an unlikely partner he is prepared to have post-election discussions with New Zealand First regarding the make-up of Parliament.