Politics / Election 2014

John Key 'confident' as National in lead

22:42 pm on 20 September 2014

National Party leader John Key says he's nervous but confident about the election result as the party maintains its lead in the 2014 General Election.

John Key speaks with reporters outside his house in Parnell, Auckland. Photo: RNZ / Kate Newton

Mr Key and senior party members including deputy leader Bill English and Steven Joyce have been watching initial results at the Keys' home in Parnell, Auckland.

Speaking briefly to reporters, Mr Key said he was nervous but confident about the result.

The party's campaign chairman, Steven Joyce, said based on results so far it was safe to say National would get the most votes.

David Cunliffe and and wife Karen Price distribute food to reporters outside their Herne Bay home. Photo: RNZ / Lauren Baker

Labour Party leader David Cunliffe and wife Karen Price spent the early part of the evening at their Herne Bay home, where they distributed sausages, steaks, beer and wine to waiting reporters.

At Labour Party headquarters in New Lynn, deputy leader David Parker said the party vote was not as high as they would have liked.

Green Party MPs, candidates, and supporters were at Hopetoun Alpha, an historic building in central Auckland. The party will run through campaign highlights and check in with a live video link of similar events being held in London, Melbourne, and Wellington. Co-leaders Metiria Turei and Russel Norman are expected to arrive about 9.30pm.

Maori Party leader Te Ururoa Flavell and his wife Erana arrived at his marae in Ngongotaha near Rotorua just before 7pm, in the Waiariki electorate.

Te Ururoa Flavell and his wife Erana, arriving at his marae in Ngongotaha. Photo: RNZ / Natalie Mankelow

Mana leader Hone Harawira is at his election night headquarters in Awanui, near Kaitaia. The Internet Mana alliance is relying heavily on Mr Harawira being returned to Te Tai Tokerau to get them into Parliament, but he is trailing the Labour candidate.

Conservative Party leader Colin Craig at the party's election headquarters in Auckland. Photo: RNZ

Conservative Party supporters applauded leader Colin Craig as he arrived at the election party in North Shore, Auckland. A short time ago he conceded his party was unlikely to reach the 5 percent threshold it needs to get into Parliament without winning an electorate.

Conservative Party candidate Christine Rankin arrives at the party's election night gathering. Photo: RNZ