This year's General Election will be on Saturday, September 20, Prime Minister John Key today.

'I'm announcing the election date well in advance as I believe this gives New Zealanders some certainty and is in the country's best interests,” says John.

'It is my practice to be up-front with the New Zealand public and provide plenty of notice about election timing.

'I have already contacted the Governor-General to advise him of the election date.”

National will be campaigning on its strong record in Government and its plans to continue the good progress New Zealand is making over the next three years, says the Prime Minister.

'I am proud of the work we have done to protect vulnerable New Zealanders and help strengthen families and communities through difficult times.”

The Government's intention is that the House will rise on Thursday, 31 July and Parliament will be dissolved on Thursday, 14 August.

A Writ Day will follow on Wednesday, August 20, and nomination day will be Tuesday, 26 August.