A milestone passed on the election calendar, with the formal writ being issued for the 2023 General Election to be held.
Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro signed the writ at Government House on Sunday directing the Electoral Commission to conduct the general election on Saturday 14 October.
"The signing of the writ is a constitutional step in the election process. It sets out the dates for candidate nominations to close, election day, and the date the writ must be returned showing the successful electorate candidates," chief electoral officer Karl Le Quesne said.
Writ day marked other key events in the election calendar. The electoral rolls closed for printing at midnight and all voters who enrol from now on must cast special declaration votes.
Writ day is also the day when candidate and party advertising can start on television and radio.
Look back at Monday's developments with RNZ's election blog: