Labour Party Leader Chris Hipkins. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
The leaders of the main political parties have agreed to extend the current caretaker government arrangements - due to run out tomorrow - until a new government is formed.
In a statement, outgoing Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said he agreed with Christopher Luxon that the Governor General will be advised to extend the current arrangements.
Hipkins said under section 6 of the Constitution Act, current ministers must leave office at 11.59pm tomorrow.
"Given the writ has not yet been returned due to recounts, and negotiations to form a new government are progressing, the simplest solution is to roll over the current caretaker arrangements for a little bit longer," Hipkins said.
Hipkins said he had consulted with Luxon and had written to the Governor-General to advise her to reappoint the current ministry to operate in caretaker mode until the new government is appointed.
"The reappointments will be made on the papers at about 1pm tomorrow - there will not be an appointment ceremony.
Hipkins said ministers will continue in their existing portfolios, apart from Nanaia Mahuta, who will leave office on Saturday after failing to get re-elected.
"Grant Robertson will be appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister for Disarmament and Arms Control. Willie Jackson will take over Nanaia Mahuta's delegations as Associate Minister for Māori Development.
"This solution to a constitutional quirk has been amicably agreed and we continue to consult closely with the incoming government on all key decisions," Hipkins said.